27th Jun

CR IP TI ON BS SU

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Abbas seeks Putin help on stalled peace process

Indian finance minister resigns to run for president

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Oppn demands constitutional reforms, parliamentary govt Thousands protest court ruling that scrapped Feb polls

Max 45º Min 30º High Tide 05:19 & 16:54 Low Tide 11:12 & 22:54

By B Izzak conspiracy theories

KUWAIT: Thousands of Kuwaitis demonstrated yesterday against the cour t ruling that scrapped the February legislative polls, while opposition MPs raised their demands by calling for comprehensive constitutional reforms and a full parliamentary government.

Around 20,000 people braved the heat which hovered around 40 degrees Celsius and filled the “Determination Square” opposite the National Assembly, responding to calls by the opposition.

“Our conditions are there must be comprehensive constitutional reforms that should lead to a full parliamentary government and under which the people will be the source of authority,” opposition member of the 2012 dissolved Assembly Obaid Al-Wasmi told the enthusiastic crowd. But Wasmi insisted that the opposition is not in “dispute with the ruling family, but we are not slaves”. Islamist MP Khaled Al-Sultan said that the protest was staged to oppose reviving the 2009 Assembly, one-third of whose members are accused of corruption. Sultan also insisted that the Al-Sabah family, which has ruled for 300 years will “God willing, continue to rule the country”.

The protest was called after the constitutional court, whose rulings are final, last week ruled that the 2012 election were illegal, dissolved the Assembly elected in February and reinstated the 2009 Assembly which was dissolved by HH the Amir in December. The opposition has insisted that the ruling is “null and void” because it was based on wrong legal foundations. The opposition however accepted the ruling but insisted that they will never accept reviving the 2009 Assembly.

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Hold me like the River Jordan

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

C

ertainly the visit of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin to the West Bank comes as a boost for the Palestinians and for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. This visit of a superpower country is rightly timed as the Middle East peace plan issue is no longer making headlines in the world media and various information sources, be it newspapers or TV channels. Amazingly, this silencing is happening amidst the simmering Arab Spring. This really opens up space for a good conspiracy theory.

You can just switch on your TV and you will get my drift. The Arab Spring seems to be a Spring for Israel which is demolishing houses in the West Bank every day. Especially in Jerusalem, the Israelis demolish and force people to vacate under millions of excuses. Some of the excuses are that the families in the houses are terrorists. Another ironic excuse is that a certain house does not have a building permit. And that house could have been built before the creation of the Israeli state. Of course, most of the time the Israelis do not need to give any excuse.

Besides demolishing, Israel is continuously building settlements and continues to claim that Palestinians do not want peace.

I don’t think that Tel Aviv will listen to Moscow and break the stalemated peace process because you simply can’t have peace and build more settlements. Even the US, the best Israeli ally, failed to convince Israel to stop building, leave alone removing the settlements.

Thank God that somebody finally thought of visiting Palestine and giving hope to its people. Putin’s visit to a cultural centre means a lot to the Palestinian youth who have been ignored by their Arab brothers who seem to be far too busy with more important issues. Putin is also paying a visit to the baptism site on the Jordan River. I hope he will ask Netanyahu to keep some water in the river for worshippers who wish to be baptized because Israel has been diverting the water for years. That reminds me to sing for Mr Putin Michael Jackson’s song “Hold me like the river Jordan.”

KUWAIT: Thousands of protesters gather opposite the National Assembly yesterday to denounce a court ruling that scrapped the February Assembly elections and reinstated the 2009 parliament. (Inset) Opposition MPs (from left) Falah AlSawwagh, Ahmad Al-Saadoun and Musallam Al-Barrak are seen at the protest. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Kuwait faces long-run instability KUWAIT: Kuwait is likely to face more instability in the long run even when it emerges from its latest crisis, as its opposition pushes for more say in governing the major oil exporter and US ally. The state has escaped the kind of mass popular protests that forced four Arab dictators out of office in 18 months. But the success of those uprisings has heightened opposition calls for a full parliamentary democracy in Kuwait in which governments are chosen by elected majority blocs.

The Cabinet resigned on Monday, days after a top court annulled a February election that gave the Islamist-led opposition a majority. It ruled that a previous Assembly friendly to the government should replace it instead. Most parliamentarians and analysts expect that HH the Amir, who has the last say in politics, will dissolve the reinstated parliament soon, triggering elections some time after the holy month of Ramadan which starts around July 20.

Last week, politicians from the outgoing Assembly raised the stakes in their standoff with

the government, when they said that a “full parliamentary system” had become a necessity.

“The basis of this crisis is the same as all the others...it is a deep political crisis and relates to the chiefdom mentality of the powers which is not allowing Kuwait to develop into the modern and democratic state,” said Ahmad Al-Deyain, a member of Kuwait’s leftist “Progressive Current”.

“Kuwaiti opposition is now much more widespread and the population is a lot more aware.”

Kuwait was buffeted by regular demonstrations in 2011, including one in November in which hundreds of angry men stormed parliament to press for the sacking of the premier at that time. Politicians from the previous parliament have now called for protests against the annulment of the February election result. “The Arab Spring may have exacerbated existing tensions that were already there,” said Sam Wilkin, associate analyst at Control Risks in Dubai. “That may have played a role in the limited amount of popular protest that did occur in Kuwait.”

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Qatar Telecom bids for $1.9bn Wataniya stake DUBAI: Qatar Telecom (Qtel) has offered to buy the 47.5 percent of Kuwait’s Wataniya that it does not already own as it seeks to build its presence across the Gulf region. Stateheld Qtel confirmed yesterday that it has submitted an offer document to Kuwait’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA). “The proposed offer is in line with Qtel’s strategy to simplify the group structure while providing

an attractive offer to minority shareholders,” it said in a statement. Based on Wataniya’s current market capitalisation of $3.97 billion, the 47.5 per cent stake is worth about $1.9 billion, Reuters data shows.

Kuwait Investment Authority, the state’s sovereign wealth fund, holds a 23.5 percent stake in Wataniya and the remaining shares are publicly held.

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Bahrain to pay unrest victims 3 cops face murder charges

CAIRO: President-elect Mohamed Morsi (bottom row left) poses for a portrait with Interior Minister Mohammed Ibrahim and Egyptian police generals yesterday. — AP

Egypt junta, Islamists discuss Morsi’s powers Shafiq leaves country CAIRO: The Muslim Brotherhood has reached some agreements with the army on the powers that Egypt’s first Islamist president will hold and the fate of the dissolved Islamist-led parliament, Brotherhood officials said yesterday. The newly elected president, Mohamed Morsi, toured his palace on Monday. But after savouring the victory that installed him in place of the Brotherhood’s ousted enemy Hosni Mubarak, he immediately went to see the

generals in the Defence Ministry in a visit that seemed to underline who really calls the shots. Morsi, seeking to fulfill a promise of inclusive government, will name six vicepresidents - a woman, a Christian and others drawn from non-Brotherhood political groups -to act as an advisory panel, said Sameh Essawi, an aide to the president.

Morsi has resigned as head of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party to Continued on Page 13

DUBAI: Bahrain will pay $2.6 million in restitution to 17 families over the deaths of 17 relatives last year during an uprising suppressed by the Gulf Arab state, a government statement said. Separately, a high court toughened charges against three policemen, ruling they would be tried for murder - exposing them to a possible death sentence - rather than manslaughter for killing three protesters. Bahrain, where the US Fifth Fleet is based, has been under pressure to implement recommendations for police, judicial, media and education reform made by an investigative commission of international legal experts.

But the country remains in turmoil as opposition groups led by the Shiite majority continue protests for democratic reforms and against what they say is discrimination. “Disbursement of compensation to the families of 17 deceased persons has begun in keeping with the implementation of the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI),” said the statement, citing a justice ministry official. It said the payments amounted to $153,000 per person, but did not say who the recipients were or give further detail.

However, three defense lawyers representing several victims among opposition protesters said they were unaware of any payments being made so far.

“Nothing has been paid to any victim, according to my information,” defense lawyer Mohsen Al-Alawi told AP. “The government said it will pay the victims, but nothing has been paid.”

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ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the lawmakers of his Justice and Development Party at the parliament yesterday. — AFP

Erdogan tells Syria to beware Turkish wrath Fighting rages around Damascus BEIRUT/ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told Syria to beware the wrath of Turkey after the shooting down of a warplane and said he had ordered the armed forces to react to any military threat from Syria near the two countries’ border. Erdogan’s warning to Syria reflected increased tensions not only on the Mediterranean coast, where the aircraft was shot down last Friday, but on a long

common land border crisscrossed by rebels fighting President Bashar Al-Assad.

Syria said on Sunday it had killed several “terrorists” infiltrating from Turkey. In Syria itself, Damascus suburbs were gripped by the worst fighting in the capital since the uprising against Assad began 16 months ago. The city had long been seen as a bastion of support for the president.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

LOCAL

Passengers lament faults in KPTC prepaid card system Cash payment still being accepted

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: The Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) has introduced an automated prepaid card system to improve the experience of passengers and to reduce the price of using their buses.

Regular passengers of KPTC buses can obtain the prepaid cards from selling stations, which are located in various areas in Kuwait City, and cash payment is still being accepted aboard the buses. There have, however, been several complaints from passengers regarding how the new system works.

One interviewee commented that while there are some benefits to the system, there are still many disadvantages, “When the machine is not functioning you will end up paying cash anyway,” he said.

Another problem, he said, is that KPTC’s prepaid card can be used only within the validity period, “The problem is that you pay a fixed price

for the card, but if the scanner on the bus is not working, which happens often, we’re obliged to pay cash for a ticket. It’s not our problem if the machine malfunctions, so why are we being obliged to pay cash when it does?”

There are various options available for passengers, who can choose a package depending on their route. For example, a ‘Group A’ prepaid card is worth KD 11, covers 31 days of unlimited bus travel within the specified routes.

A ‘Group B’ card is priced at KD 11.5 and can be used for longer routes, also for 31 days. There are prepaid cards available for 15 days, 30 days and 90 days, with prices differing depending on their routes [locations]. Cards are registered with information about the user, including their civil identification number, the category of the card, the group, the pass type, the payment date, the expiry date, the amount paid, a user ID and the bus

numbers included in the package.

The system was introduced to help passengers save and budget their travel more efficiently, however passengers have also complained that cards don’t always update fast enough and that the cards are nonrefundable regardless of usage.

When contacted for comment, KPTC told Kuwait Times that all complaints and suggestions will be handled according to the prevailing rules and regulations of KPTC, “Passengers need not to pay cash if the machine fails to read the card.

We specifically advised the drivers that as long as the passenger’s card is valid, they don’t need to pay cash.

Passengers can show their cards and its expiry date, and as long as all is well, it will be honored. They should be given bus ticket, too,” an official from KPTC said.

Any complaints/suggestions about the KPTC services/operations can be voiced to the KPTC hotline on: 22328866.

Points system for traffic violations ‘rejuvenated’ KUWAIT: Traffic police are given new instructions to “strictly follow” the points-based violation system which requires suspending a driver’s license in case of repeated violations, a local daily reported yesterday quoting Ministry of Interior sources.

“Undersecretary Assistant for Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Mustafa AlZa’abi ordered that traffic police officers take strict measures into

recording points against violators”, explained the sources who spoke to Al-Rai on the condition of anonymity.

The points system includes suspending a driver’s license for one month, two months, one year, in addition to canceling the license altogether depending on the number of points they are recorded for each violation committed.

Efforts are already underway to

readdress the mechanism by which points are recorded, mainly with regards to the number of points a violator can get depending on the seriousness of the violation committed.

The new move comes as part of efforts to curb the increasing number of serious traffic violations including jumping the red light and breaking the speed limit, the sources explained.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Seif Palace yesterday the Djibouti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mahmoud Ali Youssef. The official handed His Highness a letter from President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh concerning bilateral relations and means to develop them.

Singaporean business delegation in Kuwait KUALA LUMPUR: A Singaporean business delegation expressed great interest in boosting joint investment projects with Kuwait, especially with the country’s private sector.

Head of the Singaporean delegation, which visited Kuwait recently, said during a dinner held by the Kuwaiti Ambassador to Singapore,

Abdulaziz Al-Adwani, that he is looking forward to enhancing ties with the Kuwaiti private sector on all possible domains, especially those concerning the country ’s development plan. Head of the delegation, Shabbir hassanbhai, described the latest visit to Kuwait, which took place on May 28-31, as “encouraging” and “proper ” for

enhancing economic ties between the two countries. On his part, the Kuwaiti envoy said on the phone that the Singaporean delegation consisted of representatives from 15 of Singapore’s biggest investment companies. The visit was organized

by Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry. —KUNA

Proposal could ban fishing in Kuwait Bay KUWAIT: Local authorities plan to enforce a complete fishing ban in Kuwait Bay some time later this year in a bid to counter over-fishing, which threatens marine life in Kuwaiti waters, Al-Rai daily reported yesterday, quoting knowledgeable sources.

“A decision in that regard is pending the finalization of controls and conditions currently taking place at the technical committee of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources”, said a source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The potential ban would extend throughout all waters within Kuwait Bay and include both amateur and commercial fishing. Also, fishing boats would not be allowed on the bay if the ban is enacted, the sources added. Kuwait already enforces lengthy bans

on fishing for shrimp and silver pomfret fish during reproduction months. A complete fishing ban in Kuwait Bay is expected to be enforced after the Eid AlFitr holiday in late August or early September, according to sources. — Al-Rai

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

local

KUWAIT: Under the auspices of the First Deputy PM, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the National Committee for Prevention from Drugs, Sheikh Ahmed Al-Homoud Al-Sabah and with the attendance of NCPD Secretary General Dr Ahmed Al-Samdan, Kuwait recently celebrated the World Drug Day at the 360 Mall under the title ‘Sound Bodies Build Nations’. The ceremony included honoring sponsors and holding cultural competitions for the public. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Kuwait embarks on ferocious drive against drugs - MoI

By Hanan Al-Saadoun and KUNA KUWAIT: Kuwait will continue its relentless drive against drugs to protect people, particularly youth, from this devastating scourge, the Ministry of Interior underscored yesterday.

“We are proud of our achievements in drug control and addicts treatment,” said Kuwait First Deputy Premier, Interior Minister and Head of the National Committee for Drug Control (NCDC) Sheikh Ahmad Hamoud Jaber Al-Sabah, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Assistant Undersecretary for Criminal Security, Major General Abdul Hamid Al Awadi at a NCDC ceremony to mark the International AntiDrug Day. Sheikh Ahmad pointed out Kuwait identified the problem a long time ago and started actions to control it through coordination between government and civil society organizations.

The Ministry of Interior has mobilized all its potential in the fight against drug dealers and promoters through monitoring of

land, sea and air, he said, adding that this led to seizure of huge quantities of drugs.

The Interior Minister applauded the great positive role played by other government agencies and civil society in raising people awareness about the drugs danger as well as in treating and rehabilitating its victims.

Every year on June 26, the world marks the International Anti-drug Day with a slogan determined by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime UNODC. On this day different countries express their present challenges in the field of narcotics, measures taken and the solutions for resolving this problem.

This day is a universal symbol which reminds the consequences of cultivation, trafficking and consumption of drugs and requires governments’ firm resolve for an all-out campaign against this grave social problem. Based on the estimates declared by the UN, presently there are over 200 million addicts who consume different types of narcotics including opium, heroin, marijuana and so on.

Mobile number transfer day to herald strong pricing competition KUWAIT: It looks like there is going to be stiff competition between the three large mobile companies offering service in Kuwait, as the mobile phone number transfer system is introduced. For consumers it’s good news, as the increased competition between Zain, Wataniya and Viva will bring promotional programs which will include local and international offers on the internet as a way to grab the largest share of the market before the transfer begins.

Contracts for the phones will range from 12 to 18 months and experts are predicting that the demand and the supply chain will be affected by the

transfer. These predictions are based upon previous communications scenarios, as there is no communication authority to monitor call pricing and associated services. As with the internet, the authorities are limited, to a large degree, as has been the case with other sectors of the communications business.

Meanwhile, analysts at the Ministry of Communication maintain that competition between the three companies may lead to a drop in profits, making the companies look for new markets. They may also expand their services in an effort to compensate for any initial losses. — Al-Anbaa

KUWAIT: The Salmiya apartment in which fire broke out yesterday.

Fire breaks out in Salmiya building By: Hanan Al-Sa’doun KUWAIT: A fire broke out on the tenth floor of a Salmiya residential building on Amman street, said security sources, noting that firemen worked in two teams, as some firemen evacuated the building while the other team fought the fire. No casualties were reported.

• A 49 year old Indian man slipped and fell, landing on his left elbow, breaking it and breaking his left collar bone in Mahboula, said security sources.

• A 16 year old Afghani broke his right thigh, knee and leg when he was run over by a speeding car on Beirut street, Hawalli, said security sources, noting that the young man was rushed to Mubarak hospital for treatment.

• A 31 year old Egyptian broke both arms when he lost control of his bike and landed on his arms in Salmiya, said security sources.

• Four citizens and an Iranian (ages 17-19) were injured when their cars collided in Omariya, said security sources, noting that all of the injured were taken to Farwaniya hospital for treatment.

• A 43 year old Afghani man broke his right knee when he was run over by a speeding car in Salmiya. He was taken to Mubarak hospital for treatment.

• A 22 year old female citizen suffered a back injury when she was run over in Nozha, said security sources, adding that she was taken to the Amiri hospital for treatment.

• An unidentified male in his sixties was killed when he was run over by a speeding car across from the Scientific Center along the Gulf road.

• A 17 year old Egyptian sustained various injuries when he was run over in Abu Hlaifa. He was taken to Adan hospital for treatment.

• A 27 year old Kuwaiti broke his right leg and sustained other injuries when he lost control of his bike and it slid below the Marina pedestrian bridge.

• A 16 year old Iranian was injured when he was run over by a speeding vehicle along the Gulf Road opposite the Sultan Center, said security sources, noting that he was rushed to Mubarak hospital for treatment.

• A 27year old Egyptian was killed in a traffic accident along Jahra highway near the Amghara scrap market.

PM won’t attend 2009 parliament session Talks continue to solve problem KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah told His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah that he does not plan to attend any session the 2009 parliament will hold “out of respect to the Amir’s desire to dissolve it”. This was stated by sources familiar with a meeting between the premier and the state’s ruler that took place on Monday, in which the premier reportedly announced the cabinet’s plans to resign.

Moreover, the sources, who spoke to Al-Qabas on condition of anonymity, indicated that “Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak is likely to form a Cabinet with the same lineup from the resigned cabinet, and to take legal procedures leading to the parliament’s dissolution”.

A government committee formed to find the proper measures to follow the constitutional court’s verdict that ruled that the parliament’s dissolution late last year was unconstitutional, has finished outlining a roadmap that “doesn’t require the entire cabinet to be sworn in before the parliament”, according to the same sources. “The Cabinet has offered the parliament the opportunity to convene; which doesn’t necessarily require the

entire Cabinet to attend, as the presence of one minister is enough for a parliamentary session to become valid”, the sources explained.

Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlSabah reportedly met Monday night with MPs Musallam Al-Barrak and Jamaan Al-Harbash “to request patience and cooperation with the cabinet, as it carries out procedures to finalize a constitutional dissolution to the 2009 parliament”.

After a new Cabinet is formed, the speaker of the 2009 parliament, Jassem Al-Khorafi, is required to call for a session during which the Cabinet will be sworn in, according to an explanation outlined by constitutional expert Mohammad Al-Moqatei to Al-Rai Monday. “After this step, the Cabinet can make a request to the Amir to dissolve the parliament”, the Kuwait University professor said, adding that the cabinet “doesn’t have the authority to prevent the 2009 parliament to hold sessions”.

Meanwhile, Al-Moqatei explained that failure of the parliament to convene due to lack of a quorum “gives the Cabinet a valid excuse to request a parliamentary dissolution”. He noted, at the same time, that the Cabinet is required to include a member of the 2009 parliament, which means that

another MP is needed if Shuwaib Al-Muwaizri does not return as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, as he previously announced.

In other news, lawmakers criticized the ruling by the criminal court Monday when it failed to place charges against MPs accused of storming the parliament building last November. The court, after identifying those involved as members of the 2009 parliament, noted that they enjoy parliamentary immunity.

“The judge ignored the constitutional court’s ruling, which says that decisions passed by the 2012 parliament remain valid”, MP Mohammad AlDallal said, referring to the fact that the 2012 parliament voted to lift the immunity of nine lawmakers to be tried in the case. On the other hand, constitutional expert Dr. Mohammad Al-Feeli said that “no one acknowledged the 2012 parliament after the constitutional court’s ruling”. “The judge made the decision on the basis that the 2009 parliament remained in office after the dissolution decree was nullified, which means that immunity cannot be lifted unless with a request that is passed by a majority in the parliament”, the Kuwait University professor explained.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

LOCAL Letters to badriya

In my view

Divide-and-rule

Smooth transition unprecedented

Hi Badriya,

T

he British used the divide-and-rule weapon for keeping its dominance all over its empire for as long as 200 years. About the “Judicial Coup”. Such a coup you will not be found in the United Kingdom, the USA, Canada, France or Germany. Maybe those nations are living in the civilized world. On this soil how much the judge is the supreme and free decision maker comparing to his compatriot in Pakistan and the like is a matter of questioning.

By Khaled Al-Dakhil

T

Thanking you and best regards, M Ramjan Bhuiyan

kuwait digest

The opposition’s change of heart

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

I

n a twist that I hardly think was a coincidence, the opposition in Kuwait endorsed a complete shift in approach following the announcement of Egypt’s Presidential elections’ results and became more aggressive towards the government and legal systems. The so-called oppositionists, those who claim to be patriotic and defenders of the constitution, are forgetting - or in fact ignoring -that they have always supported the government in its efforts to limit the activity of democratic groups throughout the history of political work in Kuwait.

It was after the death of HH Sheikh Saad AlAbdullah Al-Sabah, which signaled the end of the government-tribal-religious coalition, that the opposition suddenly turned the tables on the government and assigned themselves as national forces committed to protecting the constitution and regulations that regulate parliamentary work.

In the meantime, the religious-tribal coalition, which described themselves as the opposition, are not only disregarding people’s rights, but use the public for their benefit and also make use of the restrictions limiting these rights as a mean to gain public support.

Further, the opposition adopts a double standards approach with regards to principles of democracy in freedom, justice and equality. They hold the government accountable for allegedly failing to control the activity of certain media outlets while, at the same time, ignoring the behavior of certain other newspapers and TV channels.

Additionally, they protected themselves from prosecution and took away the right of citizens to take legal action against their misbehavior. Also, they ‘reward’ their voters by passing general allowances and pay increases that they don’t necessarily deserve.

The opposition has its own definition of democracy, where a media outlet is called corrupt if it broadcasts a different opinion, where oppositionists are protected against prosecution, and where lawmakers are only allowed to practice their legislative and monitoring roles if they express points of view similar to the opposition.

Patriotism for the opposition is subjective and is often biased towards parties other than Kuwait. In fact, the national interest falls behind sectarian, religious and tribal interests in the opposition’s ladder of priority.

In my view

Writing history in golden letters

By Salem Ibrahim Al-Subaie

F

irst, thanks to Allah who created me Muslim, and made me Kuwaiti, under a wise leadership and democratic rule. The dissolution of the 2009 council has been declared void, so anything which happened that came from that ruling is now defunct. That made me both sad and worried.

It also made me make accusations.

Why should I not act in this way, given that the MP who lost his membership because of this decision was someone I liked? I went to prayers and read the Quran : “...And you might hate something and it is good for you”. I started to think more clearly and came to the conclusion that what is occurring in my country is something which is missing in many others. You can compare many countries with Kuwait, but this is a modern state with strong democratic traditions and ways.

The Amiri system is an inherited systemand is similar to regimes found in Third World countries.

But from the benefit that God gave us, it is our rulers who are the ones who imposed the constitution, law and democracy. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem in1962 was the first one to protect the constitution, when council and government differed - a government headed by the Late Amir Sabah Al-Salem. In 1963, the majority of government was made up from the ruling family and merchants. The Amir of democracy then stood by the public against his brothers and cousins and dissolved the government.

Something else we should not forget is that the Amir wanted to give women rights in elections, but MPs objected and the wish not granted. To his credit he did not get angry, but accepted the ruling of the people. You have to ask if this happens anywhere else other than Kuwait?

At much the same time, HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad said he wanted to protect the democratic system and respect the constitution and state laws. Authorities were given full rights and so the constitutional court began operating. A

few months ago, the Prime Minister tendered his resignation to the Amir due to differences with the legislative authority, without giving a “no cooperation letter”.

The resignation was accepted, and same government continued. Then this government expressed “no cooperation with the N.A. Council”. So, His Highness sent the matter to the administration court, who in turn agreed. As per the constitution, the Amir dissolved the N.A. Council and called for elections within sixty days. Elections were held, and the court received objections from two citizens who opposed the Amiri decrees. Such things happen only in Kuwait.

The court verdict came in favor of the two citizens and ruled the Amiri decrees as being void. His Highness the Amir accepted that with respect.

Again we ask, ‘Do such things happen only in Kuwait?’ Everyone accepted the court verdict, MPs respected it, even if they lost their positions. But they said, what was taken by law, cannot be regained, except by law.

It’s good to see wisdom and logic! In order that the 2009 National Assembly members do not come back, 26 MPs out of the 50 members have tendered their resignations. Thus the council dissolved itself through the resignation of its members, laws and internal memorandum. What has happened is a legal battle in which laws and rights have been used. There is no difference between ruler and subject.

How beautiful Kuwait is, and how great our Amir is. How honest our courts and judges are, with all dealings offering full transparency - plus the conduct of the people and the courage to confess mistakes and correct them. If only my people could appreciate how valuable this is and its reflection worldwide on Kuwait. They will write the story in gold with great pride. Raise your heads, you are Kuwaitis who respect why they legislate and give lecture in application. — Al-Anbaa

kuwait digest

Drifting away from principles

By Dr Nasser Behbehani

I

n the first instance it is possible to ask a question which may not fit democratic thinking. The question is: Is it better to have a flourishing growth without the National Assembly (N.A) council or to have the N.A without the benefits of that kind of growth? It’s a tricky question because we don’t want to drift too far away from our democratic principles, which are long established. By the same token, there is economic and political harm within the state which could be dangerous, in the long term.

China is a fine example of a country which is doing really well on the economic front, but does not have a democracy as yet. Ideally, we would look for a state which boasts democracy and growth, which could be seen as a symbol of civilisation. I believe there is a way which is feasible and that reflects the normal ways and the habits of the people.

The idea would be to bring together all sectors of society, and that would mean everyone.

The social and religious, the heads and the tribal chiefs, Sunni and Shiite, as well as business men and social figures. These are the people who have influence in the communities and the people they represent.

The issues which have to be addressed concern the very obstacles which prevent meetings of the political sectors of society. Ultimately, we all know that issues other than politics cannot be solved in the halls of the National Assembly, but knowledgeable and experienced people can solve these problems by representing their particular groups.

To achieve such a goal, there would have to be an agreement regarding the timing and how to overcome the obstacles. All concerned would have to agree to try to shed some light on these issues and work together to make the plan work. — Al-Anbaa

he transition of power following the demise of one of the top ruling leaders in the Saudi Arabia was extremely smooth. It ruled out any possibility of a contest for the position. The view that differences of opinion and contesting for top positions are unethical or politically incorrect is not a correct attitude, because contesting is a sign of vitality and ambition, which are part of human nature. Lack of competition or disagreement in views and absence of any possibility of political crisis are signs of weakness and lethargy or rather a deviation from the human nature.

On the other hand, a government should have a constitutional and political mechanism to absorb the differences and conflicts and to control the contesting process so that the final result would be acceptable to all. When such a mechanism is implemented it will ensure unanimous acceptance of the result and thus guarantee the stability of the government with a smooth transition of authority from one person to another and from one generation to the next. This is true of any country whether a kingdom or republic.

Even during the time of the first generation of Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) there were differences of opinion in the succession to the caliphate according to the early historian AlTabari.

The conflicts on the caliphate during the early Islamic history could have been avoided if a political and legal mechanism to contain the disagreements was resorted to.

Al-Tabari wrote while narrating the early history of Islam, when the Shoura (consultative body) was set up by second Khalifa Umar bin Al-Khattab, Abbas told Ali: Don’t sit with them (the consultative body). However Ali did not want to have any difference of opinion among the Muslims and attended the Shoura.

After the first deliberations of the Shoura and Umar’s issued instructions on how a caliph should be chosen after him, Abbas asked Ali about what happened in the Shoura. He replied Umar instructed, ‘you be with the majority (when choosing a caliph). If there is a tie, join the group Abdul Rahman bin Auf is with.’ Then Ali added: ‘Saad bin Abi Waqqas will not oppose his cousin Abdul Rahman bin Auf and Abdul Rahman is a brotherin- law of Othman. They do not have any differences. Abdul Rahman will approve the rule of Othman and Othman will approve the rule of Abdul Rahman.’

Then Abbas reminded Ali about how Ali discarded his advice to ask the Prophet, peace be upon him, about who should be the ruler. Abbas also advised Ali that he should not accept any position in the government but the position to rule, Al-Tabari said.

Let us come back to the situation in the kingdom. Crown Prince Naif passed away after devoting most of his life to strengthen the country’s security and ensure its stability. The late prince was known during the past three decades as the foremost security man and he was also a key figure in Kingdom’s political decision making. The prince was fully aware of the role of security in the building a nation. While justice is the foundation on which a government is to be established, the country’s security is more important because without security the supports of the government would be shaken. That is why there should be a balance between government, justice and rule.

Two major interests of Crown Prince Salman, who succeeded Prince Naif, are the Kingdom’s government and history. Interest in the government is quite natural for a person who was born into a family that has been ruling the land over more than four centuries. Prince Salman is one of the sons of the Kingdom’s founder King Abdul Aziz and was born in the Hukum (Government) Palace in Riyadh. He also spent more than half a century in the same palace as governor of Riyadh province, which included the Kingdom’s capital. This also brought him close to all the kings and to the center of governmental operations.

His interest in history is likely to be personal.

This interest, apparently, offered him an opportunity to view history from a political perspective.

The smoothness of the transition of the crown prince’s position first to Prince Naif after the demise of Prince Sultan and now to Prince Salman reflects stature of the two leaders in the Kingdom.

It also reflects the strength of the tradition of passing ruling positions among the rulers of the second generation. This tradition was followed scrupulously after the death of King Abdul Aziz in 1953. Smoothness of the present transition was expected and also needed. But what is new is the shortness of the time gap between the first transition to Prince Naif and later to Prince Salman. This is a development that suggested the need to have a new transition mechanism in place. The needed mechanism was introduced by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah with a decree establishing the System of the Allegiance Commission in 2006.

One hypothetical question is: Would this mechanism have led to a different result in the two recent transitions. Never. Because Prince Naif and Prince Salman belong to the second generation of rulers who are contemporary to the Kingdom’s establishment and participated in its building.

They launched the process of social and economic modernization during the first and second economic booms in the Kingdom. Therefore, they have achieved very high esteem and vast acceptance among the members of the Allegiance Commission. So, if the transition process were to be implemented by the commission on them at the same time each one of the two princes might not have received a unanimous support of the commission - this is just a possibility. But one thing is certain each one of them separately would have got a huge majority.

Now one pertinent question is why the commission’s mechanism is being implemented when the leaders are undoubtedly acceptable.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

local

Chest Diseases Hospital among best in region Interaction vital for success KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Chest Diseases Hospital is among the best in the region according to heart specialist and consultant, Dr Ibrahim Al-Rashdan. Al-Rashdan, a staff member at the Faculty of Medicine, said yesterday that the hospital was founded with an ambition for development and that all efforts and resources must now be invested in maintaining its high standards.

Heart disease clinics and hospitals are critical health facilities and require support and care to continue developing and to stay up to date with advancements in the field, he said, adding, “It would be much easier to make the hospital a regional center than with any other facility given its current capabilities and staff.”

Al-Rashdan expressed hope for more development in the field of research, stressing that there is considerable potential, both in human resources and other resources, to be invested in Kuwait.

Regarding the latest developments, he recalled achievements of the Canadian team at the McGill

Educational Center, noting that the team’s efforts had considerable strategic and research significance. The center is a great addition to the hospital, he added, and is a suitable addition considering the fact that the majority of Kuwaiti chest disease Physicians studied and graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada.

Al-Rashdan further noted that the team’s efforts at enhancing performance have contributed to considerable adjustments in infrastructure and that the results would become evident in due time.

The impact includes improving the level of care at the children’s heart unit and the intensive care unit, the launch of a heart failure program, a heart rehabilitation program, a clinical database and an adequate filing system, he remarked.

The specialist stressed that interaction and cooperation with world specialists is vital for success, and added that Kuwaitis must shoulder the bulk of the work in implementing development plans. — KUNA

Burgan Bank launches annual summer training program KUWAIT: Burgan Bank recently launched its annual summer training program for talented young students. The summer training program has been tailored to provide students with a head start in meeting the challenges that lie ahead in their fledgling careers in the world of finance.

Along with gaining invaluable, hands-on experience through assisting various seasoned finance professionals at both the Head Office and branches, the bank is also offering classroom training programs that will ultimately contribute to increasing their knowledge and practical experience.

The summer training for the first batch was held earlier this month, where the second group will commence their training during July 2012. Burgan Bank continues to open new chapters in its commitment and dedication towards all sectors of the society, reaffirming its position as a socially dedicated leading Kuwaiti financial institution.

Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank based in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, as well as having a growing retail and private bank customer base.

Burgan Bank has four majority owned subsidiaries: Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad - BOB (Iraq), Jordan Kuwait Bank - JKB (Jordan) and Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”). The Bank has continuously improved its performance over the years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong capital base.

The adoption of state-of-the-art

services and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA region.

Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on a foundation of real val-

ues - of trust, commitment, excellence and progression, to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. ‘People come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services are developed. Earlier this year, ‘Brand Finance’ - the international brand valuation company- rated Burgan Bank brand as AA with positive outlook. The rating places Burgan Bank Brand at 2nd amongst the most valuable banking brands in Kuwait.

Excellence is one of the Bank’s four key values and Burgan Bank continually strives to maintain the highest standards in the industry.

The Bank was re-certified in 2010 with the ISO 9001:2008 certification in all its banking businesses, making it the first bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Kuwait to receive such accreditation. The Bank also has to its

credit the distinction of being the only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP Morgan Chase Quality Recognition Award for twelve consecutive years.

Burgan Bank won the prestigious

“Banking Web Awards” prize in the commercial and corporate Category for Kuwait. In 2010 Burgan Bank was awarded with the “Best Internet Banking Service award” from Banker Middle East Awards. Burgan Bank was recognized in 2011 as Kuwait’s “Best Private Bank”, by World Finance.

The bank also won, in 2011, the coveted “International Platinum Star for Quality” award from Business Initiative Directions, and “The Best Technical Award” from Banking Web Awards. In 2012, Global Banking and Finance Review online magazine recognized Burgan Bank as the “Best Banking Group in the MENA” as well as the “Best Corporate Bank in Kuwait”.

Burgan Bank, a subsidiary of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company), is a strongly positioned regional bank in the MENA region.

News

in brief

Students’ achievements KUWAIT: Chairman of the Kuwaiti Union for owners of private schools, Omar Obrahim Al-Gharir, said that the union shall celebrate next Sunday to honor Kuwait’s outstanding high school graduates.

Both science and arts students of the academic year 2011/2012 will attend a party, which will be held under the patronage of Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, at 7:30 pm at Al Jeel Al Jadeed school theater in Hawally. Al-Gharir said that the celebration is part of the Union’s annual activities and comes following the announcement of high school exam results as a large number of students from private schools rank among the top fifty in the country, especially in the sciences.

Al-Farhan denies rumors KUWAIT: Brigadier Mohammad Al-Farhan of the National Guard has denied rumors that a military vehicle belonging to the National Guard, which disappeared recently and contained sensitive wireless equipment, may have been smuggled abroad.

He refuted the claims and called the rumors ‘groundless.’

Police departments see reshuffles KUWAIT: Sources revealed that Assistant Undersecretary for Traffic Affairs, Lieutenant General Mustafa Al-Zaabi, has approved a reshuffle operation covering all of the department’s sections. The list will soon be approved and circulated to the concerned parties. Assistant Undersecretary Lieutenant General, Mahmoud Al-Dawsary, also reorganized parts of his department affecting the positions of area Directors of police stations and various admin positions. Assistant Undersecretary Lieutenant General Abdul Hameed Al-Awadhi reshuffled the criminal investigation administrative employees. Several Administration Directors were retired and new employees were brought into the administration. Training courses will also be held to revitalize all departments and administrations.

The electronic crime administration will be given particular attention after receiving several complaints.

National Guard identity KUWAIT: Vice President of the National Guard, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, praised the efforts of the National Guard to issue a reference to document the identity of the National Guard yesterday. Sheikh Mishaal said that the issuance of this reference reflects the want of the National Guard to reach the planned systematic work. Sheikh Mishaal commented on the issue during a meeting with Undersecretary of the National Guard, Lt Gen Nasser Al-De’ie, and his accompanying delegation. He added that the National Guard is among the first government institutions in the State of Kuwait to set the standards of identity following the dimensional characterization and identification of numbers and colors in the main features, such as the logo and the National Guard flag.

Smoking areas at ministry KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water has started to allocate designated smoking areas equipped with special filters to eliminate the smoke quickly in order to avoid disturbing other employees. The move came after an employee won a court case against the Ministry to have smoking areas allocated. The employee claimed that the Ministry’s failure to allocate smoking areas negatively affects the health of employees. He was compensated following the court’s decision.

ANARKA: Kuwaiti parliamentarians applaud as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses the lawmakers of his Justice and Development Party at the parliament in Ankara yesterday. “Any Syrian military element that approaches Turkish border will be regarded as threat,” Erdogan said four days after a Turkish warplane was shot down by Syria. — AP

Belgian FM underlines strong ties with Kuwait LUXEMBOURG: Kuwaiti foreign ministry undersecretary Khaled Suleiman AlJarallah met three European foreign ministers on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union in Luxembourg this evening.

“It was a very pleasant meeting because we have very good relations with Kuwait and we try to enhance the good relations between Kuwait and Belgium,” Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders said after meeting Al Jarallah.

“So we will try not only to go further with some agreements like the double taxation agreement but to have more close contacts,” he noted.

Reynders said he was planning to visit Kuwait by the end of this year or early next year to discuss possibilities to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

“I was very pleased to listen that it was

possible for Kuwait to support the candidacy for the Belgian city of Liege to host the International Exhibition in 2017,” he said. The Belgian minister said his country will support the candidacy of Kuwait for the rotating UN Security Council Presidency for the years 2018-2019.

“We are very interested in better relations and we will do that in the next months,” he added. On his part, Kuwait foreign ministry undersecretary Al Jarallah told KUNA that the meeting was “excellent and very positive” with the Belgian foreign minister. “We discussed the EU-Gulf ties, bilateral Belgian-Kuwaiti ties and ways to strengthen these ties,” he said. “Belgium is a friendly country and there are much scope for cooperation,” stressed the Kuwait diplomat and added that the two countries agreed to form a joint committee on the level of finance ministers to discuss the opportunities of cooperation in various fields. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

LOCAL

Infant found dead inside Salmiya garbage container Three hospitalized following fight KUWAIT: Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest the parents of a three-month old boy who was found dead inside a garbage container behind a Salmiya mall on Monday. The dead infant was found inside a plastic bag, which caught the attention of a passerby who immediately called police. Criminal investigators were called after paramedics pronounced the child dead at the scene. The body was later taken to the forensic department for an autopsy to determine the time and cause of death. A case has been filed.

Jail crackdown Central Jail prisoner was taken to the Sulaibiya police station Monday to face charges after SIM cards were found in his possession during an unscheduled crackdown at the jail.

The Kuwaiti inmate was handcuffed and taken into custody immediately after multiple cell phone cards were found hidden in his cell. The inmate remains in custody pending investigation. Police hope to determine how the SIM cards were smuggled into the jail.

Drugs found in car A man was arrested in Al-Riga’e after drugs were found inside his car, which was searched after he failed to produce identification. The suspect was taken into custody when patrol officers stopped him as he tried to flee after while coming out of a grocery shop. The suspect was taken to Al-Andalus police station after drugs were found in his car.

Air ticket fraud A Kuwaiti man pressed theft and scam charges at Al-Rabbiya police station against a person who sold help him fraudulent travel tickets and hotel bookings for a trip to Thailand. The man realized he had lost his money when employees at the ticket counter at Kuwait International Airport informed him that his tickets were canceled one day after they were booked. He provided police with information describing an Arab man who he paid KD 1,200 to process the bookings. Officials report the suspect has since failed to answer his phone.

Taima fight Three people were hospitalized fol-

lowing a recent brawl involving 13 armed teenagers in Taima. Since the incident, police have arrested six suspects, who explained that the fight was sparked by old disputes between a Bedouin youngster and another, described as being of GCC nationality.

The two combatants reportedly chose to settle their dispute by calling their respective relatives to fight. One of the injured teenagers, who suffered stab wounds, was admitted to the intensive care unit of Al-Jahra Hospital with a serious chest wound. Investigations are currently ongoing in search for the remaining suspects.

Suicide attempt A Jahra resident was hospitalized in critical condition following a recent suicide attempt. The incident occurred inside the victim’s home. The man, a Kuwaiti citizen in his forties, underwent an emergency operation at Al-Jahra Hospital after being diagnosed with complications caused by an overdose of sedatives. A suicide case has been filed by Jahra police, who are waiting for the man’s condition to stabilize so he can be interrogated.

Unique and unprecedented matrimonial promise KUWAIT: On Friday 29th June, 2012 a Pakistani couple will be staying in Room 306, Crowne Plaza, Kuwait to commemorate their 27th happy wedding anniversary. The matrimonial story began in Islamabad, Pakistan as Iqbal Hadi Zaidi then working as Administration Manager, EPIC Instruments Inc, Kuwait flew to Pakistan to marry a completely unknown compatriot Suhail Fatima.

Iqbal had decided to marry on 30th June 1985, and had wanted to stay in Room 306, Holiday Inn Islamabad

Iqbal and Shireen (the only 5-star in the capital then) but it was booked. He wanted Room 306 because the wedding date matches with hotel room number.

However, about a fortnight before his departure to Islamabad, the company chairman asked him to return two days earlier and he agreed. He phoned Holiday Inn, Islamabad to book room 286 or 296 if he marries on 28th or 29th instead but unluckily both the rooms were not available.

He then compromised and married on 29th June and stayed in room 306, Holiday Inn, Islamabad

since after 12 hours it will be 30th June which means there is 50% relationship between the marriage date and the hotel room but had he married on 28th and stayed in room 306 then the two were miles apart in any case.

On the wedding day, he named Suhail Fatima - Shireen though officially she is still Suhail Fatima and now she is known as Shireen in their families and friends alike. Iqbal who strongly believes in individualism did not promise Shireen any gift on wedding anniversary which most husbands do, rather he solemnly promised to do something which none had even thought of. He promised her that “till death, every 29th June we will stay either jointly or individually as the case may be in room 306 Holiday Inn wherever we are”. Today Iqbal is staying for 27th consecutive year in the same hotel in the same room on the same date.

In 1991 when Iqbal was working as Business and Manpower Adviser, Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait, he did not bring his family to Kuwait because Iraqi forces had put oil wells on fire and he did not wish to expose his 3 years old daughter to smoke pollution but then 29th June came and he wished to be with his family on that day but due to his diplomatic obligations he could not fly to Islamabad. On 29th June, 1991 which was their 6th Wedding Anniversary, he stayed all alone by himself in room 306, Holiday Inn, Kuwait whereas Shireen and his daughter Areej stayed in room 306, Holiday Inn, Islamabad thus maintaining his lifelong matrimonial

promise.

Last year on 29th June, Mubasher TV (Arabic) interviewed the couple in their room and televised it live from the hotel as they mark their 26th Wedding anniversary. KTV 2 (English) did the same and televised it in their weekly program called Week End Show. TV One, the most popular TV channel of Indonesia commending lifelong matrimonial promise of Iqbal not only live telecasted him on 28th February 2011 but paid cash too when he was alone visiting Jakarta.

On their silver jubilee wedding Anniversary on 29th June, 2010, Al Jazeera and Al Rai made their films from the hotel and telecasted on their channels. Al Jazeera received so many calls from different countries showing great excitement and wanted to know more about the couple. Al Jazeera called Iqbal to prepare a report about them and aired it. The anchor asked some hard questions like ‘what Iqbal will do on 29th June if Shireen dies’ and he answered that he will still stay in room 306 Holiday Inn wherever he is but in tears and remembering the days when they were together.

The interviewer asked Shireen what she will do if Iqbal dies and he answered that she won’t be able to do alike. Hani Kafafi, GM, Crowne Plaza & Director Operations, Northern Gulf greeted the couple in their Room 306 on their Silver Wedding Anniversary and presented a commemorative memento to mark their day. Other hotel Eexecutives also gifted very valuable items to them to share their happiness.

KUWAIT: Ministry of Information Undersecretary Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah received a visiting media delegation from Kyrgyzstan. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and means to bolster media cooperation between Kuwait and Kyrgyzstan. The Kyrgyzstani delegation touched upon the impressive tourism sector in their country and their goal to encourage Kuwaitis to visit Kyrgyzstan.

EU, GCC agree to inject strategic depth in ties LUXEMBOURG: The 22nd session of the Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting of the European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) which was held here Monday evening have agreed to expand their economic and political ties. A joint CoChairs’ statement released yesterday said EU and GCC Ministers reviewed the state of play of the GCC-EU relationship.

They endorsed the minutes of the latest Joint Cooperation Committee and commended progress achieved through the implementation of the 2010-2013 EU-GCC Joint Action Program in the areas of financial, economic and monetary cooperation; trade and investment; energy, nuclear safety and the environment; countering

popular children’s songs followed by an educational play telling the story of the famous composer Beethoven. At 8pm it was time for the host to begin a competition where she asked the children questions about Al Tijari and whoever answered correctly got special gifts provided by the bank. Throughout the evening, several talented children performed using different instruments like the guitar and piano plus a Barney

musical show that was greeted by loud cheers and laughter by the kids.

Towards the end of the event, it was time for the big contest which was “Infunity Got Talent” where kids went up on the stage and performed their favorite song. After ten contestants sang, representatives from Al Tijari chose the best performer and the winner received a My First Account with a KD50 deposit while the rest got fun

exchanges on the situation in the region, notably on the Middle East Peace Process , Syria, Iran, Iraq and Yemen.

The Ministers exchanged views on global issues of common concern such as piracy,counter terrorism, and the promotion of human rights, rule of law and values of tolerance. EU and GCC Ministers agreed to hold their next meeting in Bahrain in 2013.

The EU delegation was led by High Representative Catherine Ashton. The GCC delegation was led

by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The GCC Secretariat was represented by GCC Secretary General, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashed AlZayani. — KUNA

LUXEMBOURG: Participants of the 22nd session of the Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting of the European Union and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf pose for a group photograph.

Commercial Bank sponsors the World Musical KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait sponsored the World Musical Day event in Infunity at 360 Mall, that saw a huge turnout by families and children and was considered a success by everyone who attended. The event celebrated music and its importance in the world as well as showcasing the talents of numerous children.

The World Musical Day event started at 7 pm with the host singing a variety of the most

money laundering and terrorist financing; and patents and intellectual property protection.

They noted with satisfaction the pilot phase of the EU-GCC diplomatic exchange programme; both sides wished to make it a permanent feature of EU-GCC relations. The ministers agreed to the preparation of a joint work programme for the next period (2013-2016) and to identify priorities and objectives.

They agreed to inject greater strategic depth into EU-GCC relations to guide the preparation of the next program, to promote peace and security, regional integration, economic growth, prosperity, and sustainable development, as well as to encourage people-topeople contacts.

The ministers had in depth

toys also from the bank.

This event is par t of the ongoing partnership between Al Tijari and 360 Mall (Tamdeen) that started with the unique Open Day event last summer and saw a record number of attendance and immeasurable success in addition to the exclusive discounts that My First Account and @Tijari accounts receive from Infunity, The Bowl Room and Freeze Club.

Volunteer Work Center seeking UN consultative status UNITED NATIONS: The Kuwaiti Volunteer Work Center is seeking consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and had inquired about the procedures and steps that need to be taken to that end, said center Chairman Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

Sheikha Amthal had discussed the issue with the UN official responsible for NGOs’ status Andrei Abramov and given him a review of the center’s activities and presented him with brochures about some of its projects, which include efforts in the field of environment preservation.

The officials met at the headquarters of the Kuwait Mission in New York in presence of Ambassador to the UN Mansour Al-Otaibi, who was presented with brochures and publications by the center and a review of its accomplishments so far.

Abramov for his par t said the council welcomes NGOs from the Middle East in particular, since so few NGOs from developing nations have such status at present.

He also praised the efforts of the volunteer center and pointed out some of the details involved in registration of application for a consultative status. — KUNA

Incidence of fires in Kuwait up by 13%: Insurance data

Jordan to deliver assistance for Kuwaiti, GCC tourists AMMAN: The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Al-Fayez said yesterday that Jordan will bring a new facilitation pack to the table since the tourist industry is having a big impact on the country’s economy.

He said that tourists from Kuwait are to be given the same facilities as those from Jordan with regard to taxes and fees. There will also be help at border crossings and while staying in Jordan. The thinking behind

the ideas is to encourage tourists to stay longer, increase the numbers visiting Jordan, and make the country one which tourists will want to return to.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday he announced that the Qala’a night festival will kick start the holy month of Ramadan.

Chief of the Zain telecommunications company was there to announce that the company would be supporting the festival

and looked forward to raising the level of performance in the major sectors and bringing enhanced economic benefits to the country.

The number of tourists from Gulf Cooperation Council countries has risen by some 15.5 percent since the since the beginning of M ay 2012, leading to an increase in income from the industry to $1.3 million — KUNA

KUWAIT: The occurrence of fires in Kuwait increased by 13 percent in the first quarter of this year, latest statistics reported yesterday.

Assistant General Manager for Technical and Reinsurance Affairs at Wethaq Takaful Insurance Company, Al-Sadiq Al-Tawali, said in a press statement that fire incidents in residential areas dropped by 21 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same period of 2011.

However, they rose 42 percent in non-residential areas in the first quarter of 2012, in comparison to the same period of 2011.

There were three huge fires within

one day in April that inflicted great damage to properties, he added.

He added that there were other disastrous fire accidents in the amghara area recently.

Experts estimated that 56 percent of fires were due to electrical short circuits and unsuper vised children.

Meanwhile, 9 percent of fires were attributed to neglected cigarettes stubs. Al-Tawali pointed out that fire insurance can fully compensate for loss and damage and that full cooperation between insurance companies and fire departments must be maintained as a precautionary procedure to ensure the safety of lives and properties. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

‘Shame’ punishment a disturbing trend in US Page 10

Indian finance minister quits, eyes presidency Page 12

Qaeda threatens Arab Spring nations British jihadis training in Arab states LONDON: Al-Qaeda militants are using the countries which toppled their leaders in the Arab Spring as bases to train radical Western youths for potential attacks on Britain, the chief of the MI5 Security Service said. In his first public speech for nearly two years, Security Service Director General Jonathan Evans said the Arab Spring revolts in Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and Egypt offered long-term hope of a more democratic Middle East. But Britain’s domestic spy chief said Al-Qaeda, which moved to Afghanistan from Arab countries in the 1990s and thence to Pakistan after the fall of the Taleban, was once again trying to gain a foothold in the Arab world.

“Today parts of the Arab world have once more become a permissive environment for Al-Qaeda,” Evans said, according to an advance text of a rare speech in London outlining the key threats to British interests. “A small number of British would-be jihadis are also making their way to Arab countries to seek training and opportunities for militant activity, as they do in Somalia and Yemen. Some will return to the UK and pose a threat here.” “This is a new and worrying development and could get worse,” said Evans, a career officer

FBI targets extremists in military WASHINGTON: The FBI is investigating more than 100 suspected Islamic extremists in the US military, following the 2009 “lone wolf” attack by an alleged Al-Qaeda sympathizer that killed 13 people at a Texas army base, a news report said Monday. About a dozen of the cases are considered “serious” threats involving suspects believed to be actively planning attacks or in contact with dangerous extremists, National Public Radio reported. The potential internal threats come from active duty military as well as reserves and civilians with access to military installations, the radio broadcaster reported.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the investigations. The FBI discussed the investigation at a joint House and Senate committee closed-door hearing last December, according to NPR. “I know one can say that as a percentage of the millions of people in active military service or working with contractors, the numbers you talk about are a small percentage of the total,” Joseph Lieberman, the senator who presided over the hearing, told NPR. “But the reality is it only took one man, Nidal Hasan, to kill 13 people at Fort Hood and injure a lot more.” In November 2009, US Army Major Nidal Hasan opened fire on his fellow soldiers at a base in Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13. An investigation revealed that Hasan was in contact with Anwar Al-Awlaqi, a radical Yemeni American imam tied to Al-Qaeda. Al-Awlaqi was killed in an American drone attack in Yemen in September 2011. Hasan’s martial court trial has been set for August 20. — AFP

North Korean camp survivor narrates ordeal SEOUL: Kim Hye-Sook survived a total 28 years of brutality, overwork and near-starvation in one of North Korea’s notorious prison camps. Now she travels the world campaigning to shut them down. Kim, who escaped to South Korea in 2009, has spoken out in the United States, Switzerland, Japan and other nations about her horrific experiences. “Human lives were worth less than those of flies,” she told a US congressional panel last September.

Kim heads an activist group publicizing the camps and has started painting some of the scenes she witnessed, to try to help the world understand. “I remember seeing streets filling with corpses and public executions being held everywhere,” she told a forum in Seoul late Thursday. “I haven’t much education. But I paint and tell the same story over and over in hopes that someday, the camps will be shut down for good,” said Kim, whose exact age is not known but is around 50 years old.

Kim was sent to political prisoner camp Number 18 with her family in early 1975 when she was just 13 under the principle of “guilt by association”, because her grandfather had escaped to South Korea. She sobbed repeatedly Thursday as she talked of her life working in a coal mine and of the fate of her family. “My brother and mother died at the camp. I don’t know the whereabouts of my father,” she said, swallowing back tears. Two sisters and another brother are still in the camp, as far as she knows.

Kim said most young men assigned to the mines died before aged 30 from pneumonoconiosis, a chronic respiratory disease, and only seven out of 26 in her own work squad had survived when she was released. “I also had the disease when I came to South Korea and am almost certain I would’ve died soon if I had not been treated quickly,” she said. Prisoners, Kim said, were at the mercy of “unbelievably evil” officials whom she termed “worse than animals”.

Inmates were beaten or publicly executed for all sorts of reasons-stealing food, trying to escape and even for asking why they had been detained. “While they never provide electricity to the people (in North Korea) , they set up four-meterhigh wire fences with electricity flowing at all times around the camp,” she said. After she was released in 2001 under an amnesty, Kim fled to China. She was caught and sent back to the same camp in 2007. —AFP

who has served as head of the Security Service since April 2007. The Arab Spring was lauded by Western leaders who hoped the revolts would usher in prosperity and freedom to the Middle East and North Africa, though Islamists have come to power in elections in Tunisia and Egypt. Libya has been racked by turmoil while Al-Qaeda militants are expanding their foothold in the south of Yemen. A plot by Al-Qaeda in Yemen to blow up an airliner over the Atlantic was foiled in May by a British spy. British officials say one of the biggest threats to the realm is likely to come from a domestic cell of militants who have received training or support from Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia or Yemen. Evans, who joined MI5 in 1980 after graduating from Bristol University with a degree in Classical Studies, said preparations for the Olympic Games in London were going well though the event was an attractive target for Britain’s enemies. Britain’s national threat level is assessed at “substantial” meaning an attack is a strong possibility - but that is still one notch lower than for most of the past decade.

“The Games present an attractive target for our enemies and they will be at the centre of the world’s attention in a

month or so,” Evans said. “No doubt some terrorist networks have thought about whether they could pull off an attack.”

But Evans warned against complacency, quipping that when intelligence folk smell roses they look for the funeral.

Though Al-Qaeda has made no successful attack on Britain since 2005, the threat has not evaporated, he said, adding that Britain has been the target of credible terrorist plot every year since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. “In back rooms and in cars and on the streets of this country there is no shortage of individuals talking about wanting to mount terrorist attacks here,” Evans said.

“It is essential that we maintain pressure on Al-Qaeda.”

Some 100-200 British residents are thought to be involved in militant activities in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa, mostly young men from cities such as London and Birmingham between the ages of 18 and 30.

Evans said MI5, which now employs about 3,800 people up from 1,800 on the eve of the attacks on the Twin Towers in New York, had shifted some its focus to reflect the changed appreciation of the wider threat to British interests. He said about half of MI5’s priority casework

now focused on Afghanistan or Pakistan dimensions, down from 75 percent a few years ago. As the threat from Al- Qaeda in Pakistan declines, it has risen in Yemen, Somalia and the Sahel, he said. Evans said companies should seek to defend themselves against organized crime groups or states seeking to steal secrets or sow turmoil in their computer systems. He cited the case of an unnamed London-listed company which lost 800 million pounds ($1.24 billion) as the result of a state cyber attack. Russia or China are thought to be behind the attack. “The extent of what is going on is astonishing with industrial-scale processes involving many thousands of people lying behind both state -sponsored cyber espionage and organized cyber crime,” he said.— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Angolan refugees return to unsure future NAMACUNDE: Thousands of Angolan refugees are trekking home hoping for a new start in life a decade after the end of brutal wars that drove them to neighboring countries. On June 30 their refugee status expires so many are returning to Angola, but they face an uncertain future in a country plagued by poverty despite its booming oil-rich economy. “We fled the country in 1992 to avoid the battles and we went to Namibia where we had a good life,” said Evarista Celestina after she arrived at the Namacunde reception camp 10 kilometers from the border. “But our status as refugees wasn’t permanent so it’s time to go back,” said Celestina, although two of her children stayed in Namibia to finish their studies.

Around 4,000 Angolans have lived at the Osire refugee centre in central Namibia under the protection of authorities and the United Nations.

Thousands more are returning for Angola’s other neighbors Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They fled Angola over 40 tumultuous years of the country’s history, which included a violent liberation war against colonial power Portugal (1961-

News

in brief

Uganda officials detain 5 Pakistani terror suspects KAMPALA: Uganda has arrested five Pakistanis suspected of militant links, police said yesterday, two weeks before the second anniversary of a bombing attack in Kampala for which Somali Islamist rebel group Al Shaabab claimed responsibility. Officials say the country is vulnerable to further attacks from Al Shabaab who have vowed to keep striking until a Ugandan army contingent, leading an African Unionmandated force protecting Somalia’s government, withdraws. The area where the five men were arrested was formerly a base for now-dormant Islamist rebel group, Allied Democratic Forces (ADF-NALU), which officials say has links to Al Shabaab. Chaos in Somalia has allowed militants to thrive and launch deadly attacks in the region. Deputy police spokesperson Judith Nabakoba said the men were detained in the western district of Ntoroko near the Rwenzori Mountains on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Sunday. “We got suspicious because these five Pakistanis were coming from Congo and entering Uganda through an ungazetted border point,” Nabakoba said. She said they were with a Congolese man who was not carrying proper identification documents, and that they had been taken to Kampala for further investigation.

Decapitated trekker found KATHMANDU: Nepalese police yesterday launched a murder investigation after the body of a Belgian woman was found decapitated in a popular trekking spot in the Himalayas. Debbie Maveau, 23, had been missing for 10 days before her badly decomposed body was found on June 14 beneath a hiking trail in the Langtang National Park, on the Tibetan border, police said. “Her head was around 13 inches from the rest of her body,” local inspector Bhakta Sunuwar said, adding police had no leads on the culprit and were trying to establish if she had been killed by someone she met before the trek. Sunuwar said robbery and rape were unlikely motives since her underwear had not been removed and her camera and 8,000 rupees ($93) in cash were not taken. “People are not cooperating with the investigation. Everyone in the area says they have not seen her,” he added. “We found that she had travelled to Dhunche from Kathmandu by bus but none of the drivers in the area confirmed that they had seen her.” A growing number of assaults in Nepal’s Himalayan national parks have led to a US Embassy warning against trekking alone in the region.

Mysterious mass grave in East Timor PM office DILI: Police in East Timor have uncovered a mass grave of 52 people at the government palace in Dili, with initial examinations suggesting the bodies are not Timorese, an official said yesterday. Construction workers discovered the remains last week in a garden outside the beachfront government palace, which houses the office of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and contacted police. In 1975 Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese colony, starting a 24-year occupation in which an estimated 183,000 people were killed or starved to death. But East Timor’s Criminal Investigation Service Commander Superintendent Calisto Gonzaga said that while a preliminary examination suggested the bones could date back to 1975, they appeared too large to be Timorese. “We look at the heads and they are very big and some bones are very long. In summary I think they are not Timorese,” he said. “Until now we’ve found 52 bodies, but only 11 bodies are complete,” Gonzaga added, saying the way they were buried indicated homicide. Gonzaga said police would wait for an expert from Australia, expected to arrive in July, before making further investigations.

Mexico airport gunfight MEXICO CITY: Three policemen died in a shootout with two other officers suspected of drug trafficking at Mexico City’s airport on Monday, as panicked travelers scrambled for cover in the busy facility. The shootout occurred when three federal officers approached the two suspects in the airport’s Terminal 2, which handles international and domestic flights.

Two agents were killed at the terminal and another later died of his injuries in hospital. More than a dozen shots were heard, Milenio Television reported.

Television footage showed a body lying on the floor of the terminal in what appeared to be a publicly accessible area of the airport. The suspects, who remain at large, are believed to be part of a larger group of officials involved in a cocaine ring, Mexico’s security ministry said in a statement. Airport spokesman Jorge Gomez told Milenio that aircraft departures and arrivals continued normally after the incident. Mexico City has seen relatively low murder rates compared to the rest of the country, where drug violence has killed around 55,000 people in the past five and half years.

1975) and a bloody civil war that started soon after independence (19752002). Now 10 years after peace was secured, Angola has become Africa’s

Reconstruction efforts and the Angolan authorities’ commitment to repatriate their citizens prompted the decision to end the refugees’ status.

NAMACUNDE: Photo shows Angolan refugees stand beside tents at an arrival camp during repatriation operations organized by the Angolan government, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration. — AFP second-largest oil producer after Nigeria, with eight percent economic growth forecast for this year.

Around 14,000 Angolans registered with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which facilitates the

returns, between the end of last year and this May, while 35,000 others said they wanted to return before the end of June. Every week for the past month convoys with buses and police vehicles have brought a few hundred Angolans from Namibia to Namacunde.

They come with plans for a new life.

Alexandre Mote, 54, wants to a job and then reunite his family which has been scattered between Angola and Namibia. “I’d like to find a job to have social security and be a dignified citizen. I also hear Angola’s economy is growing very quickly, so I’d like to benefit from that,” he said. But the prospects for most are slim. The UN children’s agency UNICEF estimates that 87 percent of the urban population lives in shacks. For over a year Angolan authorities have crushed protests demanding change under the government of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, Africa’s second-longest serving leader with nearly 33 years in power.

Another uncertainty is the welcome the returnees will receive from local communities, which the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will

address in two-year projects. “People are happy to see their country isn’t at war anymore, but after all these years they return disoriented and worried about how their families will survive,” said Castro Mawonson, 48, at the Namacunde camp. After a welcome briefing, the former refugees are given food and allocated one of the 30 tents in the camp, which can house 400 people with ablution blocks, a medical post and communal kitchen.

Families can arrange identity documents at the centre, explained Tiberia Hamuse, provincial director of the social reintegration ministry. “They also receive a reintegration kit with utensils and tools, and food to last a month,” she said. The UNHCR gives $200 (160 euros) to every adult and $100 for every child to help them resettle. After a three-day orientation the IOM transports the newly-returned to their home province or the area where they want to resettle. The prospect is daunting for some who are discovering their fatherland for the first time. “I’ve never lived here and I don’t know anything about Angola, so I’ve no idea how it will go,” said an 18-year-old girl, Nanda.— AFP

Israel evacuates illegal outpost in West Bank Abbas seeks Putin’s help on stalled peace process ULPANA OUTPOST: Israel began the evacuation of an illegal West Bank settlement outpost yesterday after persuading dozens of residents to leave the enclave without the violence that has plagued similar pullouts in the past. After weeks of quiet negotiations with the government, residents of the Ulpana outpost begrudgingly packed their belongings and piled them onto moving trucks. One woman cried as government workers took away small flower pots from her home. “This is not a happy day for Israel,” said Brad Kitay, an Ulpana resident. “To leave a house is very simple, but to leave a home is very difficult.”

Israel’s Supreme Court had ordered the outpost dismantled earlier this year after determining it was built on privately owned Palestinian land. Israel considers such construction illegal, but at the same time it authorizes construction elsewhere in the West Bank, on lands considered state-owned. The Palestinians claim all of the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war, as part of a future state. They, along with the international community, consider all Israeli settlement on occupied land illegal or illegitimate.

The Israeli Defense Ministry said about 15 families, half of the Ulpana community, were leaving the outpost on Tuesday and moving to temporary trailer homes nearby, while the rest were set to move later this week.

No soldiers or police officers were in sight Tuesday, in what appeared to be a carefully-orchestrated plan to show a quiet evacuation.

It was a sharp contrast to violent spectacles of Israelion-Israeli fighting in forced settler evacuations of the past decade. The Defense Ministry said it had reached an understanding with community leaders and residents that they would not to put up a fight. In Ulpana, most residents were ready for the move Tuesday morning, though one family started frantically packing their belongings at the last minute. Teams of plainclothes officials in fluorescent vests were assigned to each family, helping the family members pack up. In a small act of defiance, some residents refused to cooperate, forcing their friends and the Defense Ministry workers to pack and remove the boxes.

Teenagers from the outpost and their supporters posted messages on packing boxes saying “Going with broken hearts but with heads high,” and scrawled slogans on the walls of the evacuated homes, including, “Bibi threw us out of our house,” using Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nickname. In the summer of 2005, settlers and thousands of their supporters held mass protests, setting bonfires and sometimes chaining themselves to homes to resist Israel’s pullout from the Gaza Strip. The following year, dozens of people were wounded in violent clashes between settlers and securi-

WEST BANK: Israeli settlers pray in front of their houses in the Ulpana neighborhood of Beit El settlement in the Israeli occupied Palestinian West Bank yesterday prior to evacuating the houses by agreement with the government. — AFP ty forces when Israel evacuated an illegal West Bank outpost.

Netanyahu, a longtime supporter of the settlement movement, has been careful to avoid similar scenes during the Ulpana evacuation. After Israeli lawmakers failed in a belated attempt to legalize Ulpana, Netanyahu vowed to build 850 new apartments in various West Bank settlements, including 300 in the adjacent settlement of Beit El. Netanyahu has also promised to uproot the five Ulpana apartment buildings and move them to another location, though Israeli engineers say the plan is impractical and expensive.

Meanwhile, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas yesterday urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to help unblock long-stalled negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. Putin met with Abbas during a stop in Bethlehem on a brief trip to the West Bank, a day after a stop in Israel where he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. In a statement to the press after their meeting, Abbas urged Putin to help secure the release of dozens of Palestinians held in Israeli jails since before the Oslo Accords peace deal, and to host a peace conference in

Russia. “We asked our friends to help us to release our prisoners who were arrested prior to 1994, who it was agreed with Israel would be released, but have not yet been freed,” Abbas said. “We assured the president that the way to peace is through negotiations with Israel, and we continue to call for him to hold an international peace conference in Moscow, as we previously agreed.”

Abbas has in recent months frequently called for the release of 123 Palestinians detained by Israel since before the 1993 Oslo Accords, accusing the Jewish state of failing to honor a commitment to do so. Earlier this month, he said that a release could be a precursor to “dialogue” with Netanyahu. “If it (Israel) frees these prisoners, there could be a meeting with Mr Netanyahu for a session of dialogue but that doesn’t mean negotiations,” he said. Putin on Tuesday praised what he called Abbas’s “responsible position,” but cautioned that “any unilateral actions before the final peace settlement are counterproductive.” That appeared to be directed at both Israel, which has continued settlement activity over the objections of the international community, as well as the Palestinians, who have sought recognition as a full member of the United Nations.— Agencies

stampede highlights Vietnam education woes HANOI: Dao Quoc Huy and his wife joined other anxious parents camped outside Thuc Nghiem primary school at 3 am.

When the sun came up, the crowd crushed against the metal entrance gate until it fell - hurdling bushes and losing flip-flops in a frenzied sprint to nab coveted application forms. The school is one of Vietnam’s only public institutions emphasizing Americanstyle learning instead of rote memorization. Roughly 600 kindergartners from around the capital were vying for the 200odd spots available this fall. “It’s like playing the lottery,” said Huy, 35, who hoped

his daughter would be among the chosen.

“We need luck.”

The recent stampede, which resulted in a few minor bruises but no arrests, underscores a problem experts say weighs heavily on Vietnam’s graying communist leadership: Nearly four decades after the Vietnam War, the country’s education system remains so corrupt and backward it’s impeding economic growth. And the rising middle class is now desperate for alternatives. In this Confucian nation where education is a national obsession, schools at all levels are hampered by cheating,

HANOI: Parents gather outside Thuc Nghiem School in central Hanoi, Vietnam, to get coveted application forms for their children. —AP

bribery and a lack of world-renowned programs and researchers. The result is a surging number of Vietnamese students are attending international-style private schools and later overseas colleges and universities.

Although average income here is just $1,400, more than 30,000 Vietnamese were studying at foreign higher learning institutions last year. Vietnam ranks fifth highest worldwide for its student enrollments in Australia, and eighth for enrollments in the US, placing it above Mexico, Brazil and France. The number of Vietnamese studying in the US has increased sevenfold from about 2,000 over the past decade. Most of the nearly 15,000 who were studying in the US last year were not on scholarships to well-known schools, but instead attending community colleges paid by their families, according to the New York-based Institute of International Education.

Unlike universities in neighboring China where communist leaders enacted sweeping reforms in the 1980s, Vietnam’s schools are not keeping pace with an increasingly globalized world, experts say.

The government has instead preserved a system promoting inefficient central management and a lack of critical thinking. Up to 10 percent of coursework remains devoted to the teachings of Marx, Lenin

and late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh. Vietnam’s educational model is “one size fits all,” and the country’s leaders “should have done more to make education one of its assets,” said Mai Thanh, a World Bank senior education specialist in Hanoi. “I see it as a missed opportunity.”

As Vietnam’s annual growth rate holds at 6 percent despite having one of Asia’s highest inflation rates and an economy burdened by stagnant state-owned companies, analysts say the education crisis threatens to stunt the domestic work force and further hinder the country’s development. Intel, the world’s largest computer chipmaker, has struggled to recruit skilled workers for its manufacturing facility in Ho Chi Minh City, researchers from Harvard University’s Kennedy School have said.

The US Embassy in Hanoi has said Vietnam’s “human resource infrastructure” does not support its rising education demands, and the Harvard researchers say reform in the country’s higher education system has been “glacial” since it embarked on economic reforms and liberalization in the mid-1980s. Although Vietnam invests more on education as a percentage of gross domestic product than many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the researchers say, the problem is less about lack of investment than a failure of governance.—AP

i n t e r n at i o n a l

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Dutch shun closer Europe Populist turns Sept poll into vote on Europe

BERLIN: Photo shows the Reichstag building, house of German parliament Bundestag in Berlin. German parliament will vote on the European Stability Mechanism, ESM, and the EU fiscal compact on Friday, June 29. — AP

Students invigorate Mexico’s elections MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s student protest movement has taken off in the last weeks, injecting youthful energy and enthusiasm into an otherwise lethargic presidential campaign ahead of Sunday’s vote. Observers see the student movement as a breath of fresh air for Mexico’s democracy, even though the so-called “Mexican Spring” may have arrived too late to impact the elections in the shortterm. Polls show Enrique Pena Nieto, candidate for the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) which ruled Mexico for much of the last century, coasting to victory on Sunday and ousting the ruling conservative National Party (PAN).

But the strength of the student movement in recent weeks could give it a lasting voice in the months ahead. “In Mexico nothing has happened like what is going on right now. There have never been so many recognized spokespeople of local student assemblies,” said Antonio Attolini, one of the movement’s visible faces. The wind of change was sparked when students at the private Iberoamerican University loudly jeered Pena Nieto at a campus rally on May 11.

PRI operatives maintained the protesters were not students at all, dubbing them provocateurs from the campaign of leftist candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The students, outraged when that explanation was repeated on the TV news and in the main newspapers, posted a video on YouTube identifying themselves and posing next to their student ID. There were 131 student protesters, and they invited viewers to become the 132nd member. The movement is now known by its Twitter handle, #YoSoy132 or “I am 132.” Similar protests quickly spread to state universities. Movement leaders say that #YoSoy132 supports no political party, but it opposes the country’s free-market economic policies and the election of Pena Nieto, who will return the PRI to power after a 12-year hiatus if elected.

The PRI ran Mexico for 71 years through a combination of patronage, corruption and ballot-box fraud until they were ousted in 2000. It had been an arrangement that promoted stability.

Mexico remained free of the military coups that plagued other Latin American nations for decades, but the price in return was a lack of tolerance for any dissent. During their first protest, the stu-

dents marched outside the headquarters of Televisa, Mexico’s leading TV network, waving signs and chanting slogans like “Turn off the television, turn on your mind” and “Televisa turns you into an idiot.”

The students accuse the country’s de facto TV duopoly-Televisa and TV Aztecaof a conspiracy along with some large newspapers and large business conglomerates to return the PRI to power. A whopping 90 percent of Mexicans get their political news from TV against three percent that rely on newspapers, according to a March survey by Defoe consultants. Much of the student effort has been focused online, which limits their impact.

Only one in three Mexicans say they have Internet access, according to census figures. And the overwhelming majority go online not at home but at work, at Internet cafes or at college and school.

Alvaro Batres, a student at the Hidalgo state university in central Mexico, said that at this point “the main thing is to explain to the public what the movement is through flyers, loudspeaker announcements, cultural activities and through music and dance.” The protest movement appears to be growing, at least in Mexico City. A May 23 march in the capital organized online drew some 10,000 people. A second march on June 10 gathered more than 90,000, and a third march is being organized for Wednesday, the last day of legal campaigning.

The students on June 19 organized an online presidential debate, and all the candidates except Pena Nieto-who was represented by an empty seat-showed up. They also organized a large concert in Mexico City with local pop singers, and have registered 1,500 observers to monitor the presidential election. But the further you go from the capital, the weaker the student movement becomes. In Pachuca, capital of Hidalgo state just north of Mexico City, only about 1,000 people turned up for a recent march. In some rural villages the students are openly rejected. “There have been some violent reactions against us, they tell us to leave,” said Batres. But protest organizers remain hopeful. “Lately middle-aged women, retired people, and members of the Mexican Electrician’s union marched with us,” said Dana Corres, a spokesperson for the students in Hidalgo.— AFP

East Coast ‘hot spot’ for rising sea level WASHINGTON: Sea levels from Cape Hatteras to Cape Cod are rising at a faster pace than anywhere on Earth, making coastal cities and wetlands in this denselypopulated US corridor possibly more vulnerable to flooding and damage, researchers at the US Geological Survey reported. Climate change is causing higher sea levels around the world, as land-based glaciers like those on Greenland melt and slide into the oceans and as warming ocean water expands. But seas don’t rise at the same rate, and for 600 miles along the US Atlantic coast, the water is rising more rapidly than elsewhere on the globe, USGS scientists reported on Sunday in the journal Nature Climate Change.

In this “hot spot” of rising sea levels, variations in ocean currents and sea water temperature and salinity push oceans upward along the coastline, the scientists said. It could have an impact on some of the biggest urban areas along and near the East Coast, including Boston, Providence, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Norfolk-Virginia Beach, especially when storm surges push water inland.

Researchers found that sea levels in this corridor were rising between three and four times faster than the global average, and they fit with computer simulations aimed at predicting the effects of climate change.

One reason for the accelerated rise in the Atlantic Ocean along the East Coast is an apparent slowdown in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, a massive current sometimes called the “conveyor belt,” study author Asbury Sallenger Jr said by telephone from St Petersburg, Florida. The melting of glaciers, which are made of compacted snow, sends fresh water into the salty Atlantic and into this current, Sallenger said. “It turns out that this leads to a slowdown across the whole system ... including the currents that run along the coast of the United States,” he said. “And there are ways by slowing down those currents, you change the level of the sea against the coastline.”

Using long-term data from tidal gauges along the cost, the researchers determined that is occurring. The USGS’s study followed another report issued Friday by the National Research Council that indicated that much of California could see sea levels rise to above levels projected for the world as a whole by 2100. That earlier study focused on how much the seas might rise; the USGS’s report examined how fast the seas were rising on the East Coast. The discovery of the “hot spot” could help coastal cities plan for rising seas and predict the submergence of saltwater marshes, which provide habitat for commercial fisheries and buffer the effect of storms.— Reuters

AMSTERDAM: In the Netherlands, two people matter when it comes to the euro zone crisis: Henk and Ingrid. And they’re not happy. The mythical Mr and Mrs Average, conjured up by populist politician Geert Wilders, have taken on a life of their own. Married with two children, they live in a typical suburban house, and take one or two holidays a year. According to Wilders, they resent seeing their taxes squandered on foreigners - whether as welfare handouts to immigrants, overseas development aid, or bailout funds to profligate Greeks and debt-ridden Spanish banks.

So when the Dutch vote in a general election on September 12, Henk and Ingrid will be not just choosing a new government but also making a statement about Dutch membership of the euro and the European Union. The election is shaping up as close contest between centrist pro-European parties and strident populists such as Wilders, who heads the anti-Islam, antieuro Freedom Party, and the far-left Socialist Party. What happens between now and then - a fight with Greece over more aid and less austerity, a crisis in Spain or Italy or both, or a return to some semblance of normality - could determine the outcome in one of the euro zone’s few remaining triple-A states.

The frugal Dutch have long been considered fiscally responsible, and closely aligned to Germany on most euro zone matters. But they are facing a recession, hurting from austerity measures to meet tough fiscal targets, and feeling grumpy. “It’s a debate between emotion and rational thinking,” Bernard Wientjes, who heads the largest employers’ organization in the Netherlands, told Reuters in an interview. “Mr Wilders will do everything to make Europe an important issue in the elections. And then it depends what happens in Europe...if there is a catastrophe in Spain or Italy, if there is a disaster, you never know what will happen. But it will be extremely difficult to form a working coalition.”

Latest opinion polls show no single party in the fragmented political landscape may win more than about a fifth of the 150 seats in parliament, meaning it could take months to form an ungainly coalition from a handful of parties.

Some surveys put the far-left Socialists, who

reject austerity and euro zone bailouts, in the lead. Headed by former school teacher Emile Roemer, they draw strong support from lowerincome groups who fear cuts in social benefits.

The two populist parties - the Socialists and Wilders’ anti-immigration Freedom Party - have steadily climbed at the expense of the mainstream Christian Democrats, Liberals and Labor, and together could win more than a third of the seats in parliament.

FRUSTRATION The last government, under Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his tough-talking Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager, was committed to keeping Greece and other peripheral members in the euro, while demanding measures to placate angry voters such as the involvement of the IMF and tougher oversight. Rutte’s caretaker centre-right administration won parliamentary support for the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the euro zone’s permanent bailout fund, and for a 100 billion euro aid package for Spain’s crippled banks.

But public support for such deals is waning and there is a deep distrust, mainly directed at Greece due to corruption, misreporting of economic data, and the duration of the crisis. “There is of course some frustration about the time it takes to fix all the shortcomings of the euro zone and there’s also a general conviction that there is no alternative to fixing this,” Ben Knapen, state secretary for foreign affairs whose portfolio includes EU matters, told Reuters in an interview.

“As for Greece, the crisis has been on the table for two years now and it has shown that everything from governance to the economy has failed and this creates a sense of frustration.”

Wim Kok, prime minister of the Netherlands when the euro was launched in 1999 and when Greece joined in 2002, now says Athens should never have been admitted to the single currency. “The major mistake we made is that too many member states failed to adjust their economies to the new economic and social realities in Europe and the world,” he said. While it’s hard enough for Rutte and his government to defend the costly bailout for Greece to Dutch voters, it would be almost impossible to sell them

German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s proposal for political union. Rutte has rejected that notion outright, a rare instance of the Netherlands being at odds with Germany. But he risks appearing two-faced as he calls for a solution to the euro zone crisis when on the European stage but rules out a closer political union when talking to his domestic audience.

Former Prime Minister Kok said he agrees with Merkel’s call for “more Europe”. But polls show a majority of Dutch do not want to give up more sovereignty to Brussels. A Maurice de Hond poll published on June 10 found that 64 percent were against Merkel’s proposal to gradually move towards political union, and just 20 percent felt the only way to overcome the crisis was to transfer more power to Brussels. About four-fifths, or 82 percent, said the issue of Europe would play a major role in the coming election, while 70 percent wanted to see less saving and more economic stimulus next year.

RETURN TO THE GUILDER? Previous polls have found that a substantial minority hanker for a return to the guilder. That has fuelled the populists. The Netherlands is going through its own economic crisis, and has been in recession since the middle of last year.

The Dutch are nowhere near as badly off as the Greeks or Spanish, but many are feeling the pinch and this is hurting consumer confidence and spending. Accustomed to a high standard of living and generous state benefits, they feel their familiar way of life is under threat.

Pensions have been cut already and are due for further reform, unemployment has topped 6 percent and is still rising, house prices have fallen and are have further to go. Organizations ranging from the Central Planning Bureau, which advises the government, to the OECD have highlighted the need for reform of the pension system, housing subsidies, healthcare costs and labor market rigidities.

“People feel material uncertainty,” Kok said.

“But the whole debate on the euro zone should not be mixed up with these. The euro zone debt crisis is not the only explanation for the fact that standards of living and employment levels are affected.”— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Spy chief toughens employee polygraph to stem leaks US lawmakers working on leak legislation WASHINGTON: The top US intelligence official has ordered that a new question be added to federal employee lie-detector tests to help uncover any leaks of secret information to the media. In true spy-agency form, the wording of the question was not made public. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper announced he was mandating a question related to “unauthorized disclosure of classified information” be added to the counterintelligence polygraph given to employees at agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Energy, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency and others. “It is my sincere hope that others across the government will follow our lead,” Clapper said in a statement.

The CIA has been the only intelligence agency that asks about unauthorized disclosures of classified information on its basic polygraph given to employees, but the question does not specifically ask about the recipient of the leak, an intelligence official said on condition of anonymity. “The question that the CIA uses is going to be adjusted to speak specifically to members of the press, members of the media, and that question is going to be expanded to the counterintelligence polygraph programs across the intelligence community,” the official said.

Intelligence agency employees take that lie-detector test when they first join and when they renew their security clearance every seven years. The change will allow the new question to be used at any time to determine whether an employee had disclosed

secret information to the media, the official said. The wording of the question? “The specific language is not something that we talk about,” he said.

In addition to the “counterintelligence polygraph,” spy agency employees who have access to the most sensitive material are required to take a much more thorough lie-detector test often referred to as the “lifestyles polygraph.”

ATTORNEY GENERAL APPOINTS PROSECUTORS US Attorney General Eric Holder has appointed two federal prosecutors to investigate suspected leaks of classified information. Republicans, who want White House officials investigated, had demanded an outside special counsel. The investigations will examine the origins of media reports about

the foiling of a plot by Yemen-based Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to attack an airliner using a newly designed underwear bomb and alleged cyber activities against Iran.

Clapper’s office is conducting a separate internal review within the intelligence agencies to determine if any leaks occurred.

Another step taken by Clapper on Monday would have the Intelligence Community Inspector General lead independent investigations of selected “unauthorized disclosure cases” when the Justice Department declines to prosecute, possibly for fear that classified information would be publicly aired. That would allow Clapper to take administrative action against any leak offenders, including letters of reprimand or suspension of security clearance.

The congressional intelligence committees are developing legislation aimed at stopping leaks of classified information. “We’re trying to break this culture,” House intelligence committee Chairman Mike Rogers, a Republican, said.

“We are going to have a bill, we are working on the final details.” He said that leaks have created problems for the United States in getting intelligence cooperation from allies. “There are instances where cooperation has been lost,” he said without being more specific.

“People vastly underestimate how much damage has been done in the last probably 12 months. This may be the most serious national security leaks over a period of time that I’ve seen in the history of the country,” Rogers said. — Reuters

Governor hails immigration ruling, opponents dismayed Supreme Court allows Arizona immigration checks

COLORADO: Nearly half of the United States’ airborne fire suppression equipment was operating over Colorado yesterday as tens of thousands of acres burned. — AFP

Raging wildfire threatening gated Colorado community COLORADO SPRINGS: An out-of-control wildfire near some of Colorado’s most visited tourist sites expanded overnight and kept some 6,000 people from their homes on Monday, threatening a gated community nestled in the foothills near the famous Garden of the Gods. The fire sent a mushroom cloud of smoke nearly 20,000 feet into the air over Colorado Springs, shadowing Pikes Peak, whose vistas helped inspire the patriotic tune “America the Beautiful.” Closer to the blaze, trees were visibly twisting from the heat.

A famous cog railway that transports tourists from around the world up the picturesque mountainside said it would be closed for a third straight day. The highway that leads up to Pikes Peak has been closed since the fire began nipping at its base over the weekend. The closures on Pikes Peak, billed the world’s second-most visited mountain after Japan’s Mount Fuji, have drawn attention to the fire’s negative impact on the tourism industry just at the start of the peak summer season. Fire crews called in massive C-130 military planes on Monday, which swooped low through plumes of black and white smoke to dump fire retardant on the flames.

Firefighters on the ground concentrated on the gated upscale subdivision of Cedar Heights, overlooking the Garden of the Gods whose towering red rock formations jut up from the ground, trying to protect residential houses from nearby flames. Raging about 80 miles south of Denver, the Waldo Canyon fire had initially prompted the evacuation of 11,000 people at the weekend although residents of the town of Manitou Springs were allowed home on Sunday night. One of

those residents was retired nurse Carol Yeager, 76, who left her stucco home on the orders of police late on Saturday, grabbing a handful of personal effects and her four cats. “The flames were shooting skyward,” she said. “It’s cleared up a lot, but police told us if the wind shifts, it’s touch and go, and they said to be ready to evacuate again.”

FIRE NEAR AIR FORCE ACADEMY The fire was also within six to 10 miles of the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs as winds fanned the flames in its direction, and fire authorities listed the academy as being threatened by the blaze along with utilities and watershed. A recreation area belonging to the Academy was ordered evacuated due to its proximity to the fire, and all trails leading west of the school were closed, the base said. The blaze would still have to traverse rough terrain, burning down through steep canyons and up mountain ridges, before it could reach the Air Force Academy itself, Academy spokesman Meade Warthen said. “We don’t have any reason at this particular point to think we’re going to be inundated, but we’re standing by,” he said.

“There are contingency plans in place. If we need to implement them, we will.”

The Department of Homeland Security said it was providing the Federal Emergency Management Agency financial assistance to help battle the Waldo Canyon blaze and other fires, noting the threat to 250 homes in the area. The blaze ignited as firefighting resources were stretched by the monster High Park blaze northwest of Fort Collins, a university city north of Denver along the state’s tinderdry Front Range. — Reuters

‘Shame’ punishment a disturbing trend in US SALT LAKE CITY: Unconventional sentences that shame defendants - such as walking through town with a humiliating sign or sleeping in a doghouse rather than in a jail - appear to be steadily increasing. And this disturbing trend, according to one legal scholar, is turning state courts into circus shows. The most recent example occurred in Utah when a 13-year-old girl went to court for cutting a 3-year-old girl’s hair into a bob with dollar-store scissors, said Jonathan Turley, a professor at George Washington University.

“These are punishments that often appeal to the public and bring a type of instant gratification for the court,” he said. The teen and her 11-year-old friend were referred to court for the March incident involving the toddler and for harassing another girl in Colorado by telephone. The judge agreed to cut back community service time if the mother of the teen chopped off her daughter’s ponytail in court. The mother has since filed a formal complaint, saying the judge at the May hearing intimidated her into the eye-for-an-eye penalty. “I fail to see how the court reducing itself to the level of a 13-year-old teaches a moral let alone legal lesson,” Turley said.

“The court was doing precisely what the 13-year-old did to a child.” Turley, who has written extensively on how shaming undermines justice, said the sentence conveys the wrong message. “ The use of arbitrary and capricious authority is not what this girl needs to learn. The court is showing her he can do to her what she did to other people,” Turley said. KSL-TV initially reported the story after the teen’s mother, Valerie Bruno, of Price, Utah, obtained audio of the juvenile court hearing and shared it with the reporter. Bruno said she has filed a formal complaint against 7th District Juvenile Judge Scott Johansen with the Utah Judicial Conduct Commission.

The commission said it is barred from commenting on whether a complaint has been filed. It only becomes public if disciplinary action is taken against a judge. Under state law, judges are given discretion in coming up with sanctions for youth that will change their behavior in a positive way. Bruno told the Deseret News that she felt intimidated into following through with the judge’s suggestion. The 11-year-old also was ordered to get her hair cut short but was allowed to go to a salon. — AP

PHOENIX: Republican Governor Jan Brewer hailed Monday’s US Supreme Court decision upholding a key part of Arizona’s crackdown on illegal immigrants, while the law’s critics said thousands of families will live in fear in the southwestern state bordering Mexico.

The Supreme Court supported the law’s most controversial aspect, requiring police to check the immigration status of people they stop, but threw out three other provisions that had been challenged by the federal government.

“This is a day we have been waiting for, and make no mistake, Arizona is ready,” Brewer, who signed the law in April 2010, told a news conference. The law was passed by Arizona’s Republican-controlled legislature, earning the praise of US conservatives and inspiring similar statutes in other states.

President Barack Obama’s administration challenged it in cour t, saying the US Constitution gives the federal government sole authority over immigration policy. “We know the eyes of the world will be upon us, we know the critics will be watching and waiting, hoping for another opportunity to continue their legal assault against our state,” Brewer said.

Brewer has clashed with Obama over the issue of illegal immigration and was seen wagging her finger at the president in a meeting at a Phoenix airport earlier this year.

She called Monday’s decision “a victory for the rule of law.”The three provisions that were struck down required immigrants to carry immigration papers at all times, banned illegal immigrants from soliciting work in public places, and allowed police to arrest immigrants without warrants if officers believed they committed crimes that would make them deportable.

Brewer expressed confidence that Arizona law officers would now implement the law “efficiently, effectively and in harmony with the Constitution” and said civil rights would be protected and racial profiling would not be tolerated. Supporters say the law is need-

ed because the federal government has failed to secure Arizona’s border with Mexico.

Outside the state Capitol, a few dozen supporters of the law waved American flags and toted placards reading: “Stop sponging off the US taxpayer - go home,” and “SB 1070 is fair and it works,” referring to the law.

‘LIVING IN THE SHADOWS’ Critics say the law, particularly the section upheld on Monday, would lead to racial profiling in a state where Hispanics represent nearly a third of its 6.5 million people. Of

ARIZONA: An immigration rights protester cycles by as he holds the United States flag upside down as dozens gather after the United States Supreme Court decision regarding Arizona’s controversial immigration law. — AP

Issa challenges Obama’s executive privilege claim WASHINGTON: With a vote looming to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, a House committee chairman is challenging President Barack Obama’s claim of executive privilege, invoked to maintain secrecy for some documents related to a failed gun-tracking operation. Obama’s claim broadly covers administration documents about the program called Operation Fast and Furious, not just those prepared for the president. But Rep Darrell Issa, R-Calif, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee that recommended the contempt charge, maintains the privilege is reserved for documents to and from the president and his most senior advisers.

In a letter to the president dated Monday and made public yesterday, Issa cited an appellate court decision to back his claim and questioned whether Obama was asserting a presidential power “solely for the purpose of further obstructing a congressional investigation.” Some experts agree with the president’s view that all executive branch documents are protected from disclosure. Ohio State University law professor Peter Shane, a specialist in presidential power, says executive privilege historically covers documents generated anywhere in the executive branch.

Behind the legal argument is a political dispute.

House Republican leaders are pressing for a contempt vote against Holder by Friday, unless they can work out a deal that breaks through the administration’s privilege claim. Holder’s offer last week to turn over some documents - the Justice Department has provided 7,600 records so far - was rejected by Issa because he contended the attorney general was demanding an end to the committee’s investigation. Ironically, the documents at the heart of the current argument are not directly related to the workings of Operation Fast and Furious, which allowed guns to “walk” from Arizona to Mexico in hopes they could be tracked. Rather, Issa wants internal communications from February 2011, when the administration denied knowledge of gun-walking, to the end of the year, when officials acknowledged the denial was in error. — AP

those, an estimated 360,000 are illegal immigrants. Most US illegal immigrants are Hispanics, with many entering the country through Mexico. “No American should ever live under a cloud of suspicion just because of what they look like,” Obama said in a statement. “Going forward, we must ensure that Arizona law enforcement officials do not enforce this law in a manner that undermines the civil rights of Americans, as the court’s decision recognizes.”

Petra Falcon, the director of activist group Promise Arizona, said that with the ruling “thousands of families will remain living in the shadows and fearing the police rather than relying on them.” After Brewer signed the measure two years ago, thousands of activists took to the streets of Phoenix and called for a convention and tourism boycott.

Around 100 demonstrators, some toting placards reading “Brown Skin is Not a Crime” and “We are Human,” gathered on the street opposite US Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters in Phoenix following the ruling.

Some chanted “Stop 1070 - We will not comply,” and “People Power,” as volunteers handed out bottled water in 105-degree heat. Activist Carlos Garcia saw nothing to celebrate in the court’s ruling, saying “the life of the immigrant is worse today than it was yesterday.” He called for a national day of “noncompliance” on July 27 to protest the law. Phoenix Councilman Michael Nowakowski, a Democrat whose district is 68 percent Hispanic, said he felt the justices had left it open to see how Arizona would implement the law. “What’s happening here in Arizona is that we are rewriting a chapter of civil rights - whatever happens here ... is going to be the chapter of civil rights for our days,” he said.

Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a backer of the law who bills himself as “America’s toughest sheriff,” said the ruling should bolster efforts to crack down on illegal immigrants. — Reuters

Debby rocks Florida Storm prompts state of emergency MIAMI: Slow-moving Tropical Storm Debby buffeted parts of Florida with driving rains and high winds on Monday, and threatened more flooding and tornadoes yesterday as it hovered off the state’s northern Gulf of Mexico coast.

With tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 240 miles from its center off the northwest coastal town of Apalachicola late Monday night, forecasters said Debby menaced a broad swath of inland territory with flash floods. “Torrential rains and flooding will continue for the next few days across portions of the Florida Panhandle and North Florida,” the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.

Apart from coastal flooding, from storm surge and wind-whipped rising Gulf tides, it said tornadoes were possible along the Florida Peninsula. Governor

FLORIDA: Boats thrown up on a dock at the Rock Landing Marina in Panacea, Fla yesterday. — AP

Rick Scott declared a state of emergency earlier on Monday and a tropical storm warning was in effect along much of the Gulf coastline. “Because of the broad impact of Tropical Storm Debby, virtually every county in Florida could be affected,” Scott said in a statement announcing the statewide emergency. “Some communities are already grappling with flooding, wind damage and electrical outages,” said Scott, who ordered all state agencies, including the Florida National Guard, to provide any necessary assistance requested by local governments. The Hurricane Center said Debby, the first named storm of 2012 to move into the Gulf of Mexico, was packing top sustained winds of about 45 miles per hour and forecasters predicted little change in strength over the next couple of days. Over the weekend, the storm idled about a quarter of US offshore oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico, based on figures issued by US offshore regulators. But on Monday, after the storm had veered away from the Gulf oil patch, big offshore drillers like BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell began returning staff to offshore platforms.

DEBBY DOWNER Forecast models show Debby making landfall along the northern Florida Gulf Coast later this week. Dubbed “Debby Downer” in some local media reports, it could dump more than a foot of rain in some areas of the state, with isolated amounts of more than two feet in north Florida, the hurricane center said. Flash flood warnings were in effect for many areas, including some where streets were already under water, and emergency management officials cautioned that inland flooding was associated with more than half the deaths from tropical cyclones in the United States over the last 30 years. —Reuters

12

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

international

Indian court tells laughter group to zip it MUMBAI: For the last week, the laughter around Sheetal Talao pond in suburban Mumbai has taken on a muzzled quality. On June 18, Mumbai’s high court told police to do something about the laughter that erupted beneath Vinayak Shirsat’s windows

each morning, causing his family “mental agony, pain and public nuisance,” according to the Press Trust of India. Since then, members of the Sheetal Jogging Association who have been coming to the pond for three years for laughter yoga, devotional

MUMBAI: Members of the Sheetal Talao Jogging Association practice laughter therapy on the banks of the Sheetal Talao-pond in Mumbai. —AFP

singing and light exercise - have been trying to contain their mirth.

“Nobody’s laughing now,” said member Badruddin Khan. Sheetal Talao is, in truth, not a nice pond. The water is low and scuzzy with trash. But it’s the only open space in a neighborhood of winding lanes in the northern suburbs of India’s densely packed financial capital. The single spot of constant shade - a small gazebo - is right in front of Shirsat’s apartment, a three-story pink building with black bars on all the windows.

Nearby are two curved benches, rising from a small plot of red mud and weeds, that the club uses for meditation and laughter.

“Only this much space we’ve got. Where can we go?” said Prabhakar Naidu, 45, who said that since he started laughing he’s been able to walk up stairs without getting winded. Before the police and courts got involved, a dozen club members would gather around 7 am to sing bhajans - devotional songs - and clap for seven minutes.

Then they laughed out loud for two minutes. They would hold their ear lobes, tilt their heads back, and stretch their faces wide into smiles. “Ooh ooh, ha ha,” went the chant. Then they would sweep their arms to their toes and reach for the sky, opening their mouths wide to say, “Ha ha ha!”

Kamal Ahmad Khan, 60, a doctor with a

square, bushy beard, said laughing brings peace and good health. “If you are laughing, the mind becomes cool,” he said. Physician Madan Kataria claims to have founded the first laughter yoga club in Mumbai in the mid-1990s, based on the notion that laughter - whether real or fake - confers physiological and psychological benefits. His website says there are now more than 6,000 laughter clubs in 60 countries. Yesterday morning, it seemed as if the members of the Sheetal Jogging Association were trying to whisper as they laughed, opening their mouths to gasp, “ha ha ha ... ha ha ha.” They kept a pillow of air in their palms as they clapped and sang out timorously to their gods.

Some days, in fact, they don’t laugh at all anymore. “People are afraid. He’s from a family of lawyers,” Naidu said, referring to Shirsat. “We tried to mediate with him, but he’s not interested. He said, ‘We’ll see you in court.’”Shirsat declined to comment for this story. “We are not interested because the matter is sub judice,” he said in a soft voice from behind his big gate. “Please excuse us.”

Other neighbors are more tolerant. “It was not bothering me or my family,” said Flory Rufus Leitao, 50, who lives just down from the gazebo in a small pink house. “They weren’t shouting or screaming.”

Indian finance minister quits, eyes presidency Cabinet minister resigns over graft case NEW DELHI: Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee stepped down yesterday, leaving behind a faltering economy and a plunging rupee as he set his sights on the country’s presidency. The 77-year-old veteran politician leaves office at a time of growing criticism of his stewardship of Asia’s third-largest economy, which has slowed dramatically at a time of stubbornly high inflation. His last full day as finance minister Monday coincided with the announcement of measures to boost the rupee, which has lost nearly a quarter of its value in the past year and hit a record low of 57.32 against the dollar last week.

The steps included raising the limit on foreign investment in government bonds by $5 billion to $20 billion, but the markets were underwhelmed and both the Indian currency and Mumbai’s Sensex index fell on the announcement. “I know that not every decision I have taken might have been right, but they were taken in the interest of the people,” Mukherjee told reporters before handing in his formal resignation to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Singh has yet to announce who will take over the finance ministry, and there

has been widespread speculation that he will keep the portfolio for himself. India’s once-booming economy is suffering from slowing industrial growth, troublesome fiscal and current account deficits and a stalled reform agen-

Mukherjee said, adding that he felt “honored and humbled” by his nomination. “Standing on the brink of such an honor, I also feel a pinch of sentiment at the thought of leaving behind my life as a political activist span-

PM EMBARRASSED In another development, an Indian cabinet minister resigned yesterday after a state court charged him with corruption, in a further embarrassment for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s scan-

NEW DELHI: Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee (center) addresses journalists as he leaves his office on his last day as the finance minister in New Delhi yesterday. —AFP da. The economy grew just 5.3 percent in January to March, its slowest quarterly expansion in nine years.

A politician whose popularity cuts across party lines, Mukherjee was selected last month as the ruling coalition’s nominee to succeed Patil as president. “Today, I stand ready to embark on a new journey,”

Indian president defends record death row pardons NE W DELHI: I ndia’s outgoing president has defended herself against media criticism that she went on a “mercy overdrive” during her term by granting clemency to nearly three dozen convicts on death row. Pratibha Patil, who became India’s first woman president in 2007 and leaves office next month, commuted 35 death sentences to life imprisonment during her five years in the postmore than any other head of state before her. The Indian media has generally been critical of her record on the issue, questioning why clemency was deemed appropriate in some cases involving murder, rape and child abduction.

“President Pratibha Patil goes on mercy overdrive,” was the verdict of the Times of India, while the Mail Today questioned her motives. “In her apparent overzealousness to come across as the apostle of mercy, she appears to have glossed over some gruesome details,” it said. In a statement issued by her office late Monday, Patil defended her choices, insisting she “took well considered decisions” after taking the advice of the home minister. “A queer pitch has been created as though many brutal criminals have been shown mercy and released,” the statement said. “The President is discharging a constitutional obligation and not doling out generosity.”

India has hundreds of condemned convicts awaiting execution, including the killers of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, and Pakistani national Mohammed Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks. A complex and lengthy appeal process means those sentenced to capital punishment often sit on death row for many years. In most cases the death penalty is commuted to life imprisonment. India’s last execution was in 2004, when a former security guard was hanged for the rape and murder of a 14-year-old schoolgirl. —AFP

ning over four decades,” he said.

Although the president is India’s titular head of state, real executive power resides with the prime minister and the cabinet.

Indian presidents are selected by an electoral college comprising MPs from both houses of parliament and state legislatures. The election will be held on July 19.

dal-tainted government. “I have given my (resignation) papers to the prime minister,” Virbhadra Singh, the minister for micro, small and medium industries, told reporters. The move came a day after a court in Himachal Pradesh charged Singh and his wife with conspiracy and corruption in a 23-year-old case related to one of his five terms as chief minister of

the northern state. The couple has denied all the charges and the ruling Congress party stressed that Singh’s decision to quit was not an admission of wrongdoing. “Virbhadra Singh has taken moral responsibility and resigned but it does not mean that he is guilty. Guilt has not been proven,” said party spokesman Janardan Dwivedi.

Although the case is an old one, the charges against the minister are a further blow to the image of India’s ruling coalition which has been embroiled in a series of corruption scandals. The most high profile case involved former telecom minister A Raja, who quit in November 2010 over the sale of second-generation (2G) telecoms licenses at far below their commercial value to selected companies. Raja was later arrested and is currently on trial. Reacting to Singh’s resignation, a spokesman for the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party said there was “corruption from top to bottom” in the coalition government. In six decades since independence only one senior Indian politician, Rao Shiv Bahadur Singh, has been convicted of graft and served a jail term-for taking a bribe back in 1949. —Agencies

Immolations expression of freedom: Tibet’s exiled PM SYDNEY: Tibet’s exiled political leader Lobsang Sangay yesterday said a spate of self-immolations in China was a strong message being sent by oppressed and desperate people who want to assert their freedom. The Harvard scholar, who was elected prime minister in April 2011, added he hoped a leadership transition in Beijing this year would bring a “new perspective” on Tibet. More than 30 people have set themselves on fire in Tibetan-inhabited areas of China since the start of March 2011 in protest at what they say is religious and cultural repression by the Chinese authorities.

“It means the situation is not bearable,” Sangay, 43, told the Sydney Morning Herald on a visit to Australia.

“It’s not just that it’s a desperate act, but also a political act,” he said. “Peaceful protests, peaceful rallies are not allowed.

The statements they leave behind consistently say they want freedom. “The self-immolations are somehow an assertion of freedom-’you can restrain my freedom but I can choose to die as I want’.” China blames spiritual leader the Dalai Lama for inciting the self-immolations in a bid to split Tibet from the rest of the nation, and insists Tibetans now have better lives due to Chinese investment.

In an address to the National Press Club, Sangay said the spark for selfimmolations was 2008 anti-government riots in Lhasa-unrest that subsequently spread to other Tibetaninhabited areas of China. “Since then, instead of responding positively or liberally, unfortunately the Chinese government has clamped down more,” he said, adding that the Tibetan capital was essentially closed to the outside world. “The military walk up and down the streets and there has been an intensifying of the campaign

to demonize the Dalai Lama,” he said.

“How would you feel if you revered someone and you were asked to denounce him by standing on his picture or badmouthing him? “These are the reasons why Tibetans are taking these drastic actions.” Most of the selfimmolations have occurred since

Sangay added: “We have repeatedly asked them not to take drastic actions, including self-immolation, but they continue to do so.” Despite China’s consistently hardline stance on Tibet, the exiled minister said he was hopeful that change could occur with a new leadership. “Given the past 50 years of experi-

BIHAR: Young monks gather and pray at Tergar Monastery to celebrate the 28th birthday of Ogyen Trinley Dorje the 17th Karmapa at Bodhgaya, in Bihar district yesterday. The 27-year-old Karmapa is the spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school, one of the four sects of Tibetan Buddhism, and he is a possible successor to the Dalai Lama. —AFP Sangay was elected, four months before he took office to assume political duties being relinquished by the Dalai Lama at the head of the India-based exiled government. Asked if this showed that Tibetans feel more hopelessness as the Dalai Lama restricts his political activism, or whether it was an effort to push Sangay to take a harder line against China, he replied: “It’s too early to tell.”

ence, we haven’t had much reason for optimism, but as a human being I remain hopeful about the new leadership led by Xi Jinping,” he said. Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen and five other leaders are due to relinquish their positions on the nine-man Standing Committee at a congress later this year that will also announce their replacements.—AFP

After a five-minute rest yesterday, the laughers lined up for exercise, with a larger group of around 30 people. Standing in motley rows, barefoot, in flip flops or sneakers, wearing shorts and saris, they rolled their heads, swung their arms, circled their hips, stomped their feet, and ended with vigorous kicks. Manjula Raut, 68, said she joined the group after having heart bypass surgery. “I could not walk properly when I started,” she said. “Now I’m feeling very nice.

I come every day.” “I had a spinal cord operation,” said F B Chavariya, 58. “Five, six years I’m doing this practice and now I’m OK.” Sadanand Ghate, 43, Sheetal Jogging Association’s president, said he and a dozen other members went to the police station and tried to explain that they are seeking peace, not disturbing it. “We are not making sounds that are harmful,” he said. “We are doing a good thing.” Senior police inspector Neelkanth Shivali said he asked the group “not to make much noise,” declining further comment because of the ongoing court case. The next hearing is Thursday. Some members want to fight for their right to laugh, others don’t. “We come here for health and mental peace,” said Ranjana Agarwal, 70, a cancer patient. “If we get into fights, the whole purpose of coming is defeated.”—AP

News

in brief

1-in-5 Philippine kids a child laborer: Survey MANILA: Almost one in five children in the Philippines works as a laborer, according to a government survey released yesterday that also found over three million of them work in hazardous conditions. The poll backed by the International Labor Organization (ILO), conducted last year, found that some 5.5 million Filipino children, or about 18.93% of all those aged between 5 to 17 years, were child laborers. A majority of the children (69%) were still in school as they worked, but were more likely to drop out than those who didn’t work. The survey also said the situation had worsened in the last 10 years, when an equivalent survey in 2001 found four million children, or 16 percent of the total, were working. ILO country director Lawrence Johnson told a forum in Manila that unveiled the survey that “the root cause of child labor... is poverty. No parent wants to mortgage (his or her child’s) future.” Officials warned that more than three million minors were engaged in hazardous labor such as work in mines, factories and on the streets, where they were exposed to dangerous substances and unsafe conditions. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz blamed the increase in child laborers on a rising population, but added detection rates had also increased.

Myanmar refugees in China ‘desperate’ BANGKOK: Thousands of refugees who have fled to China from war-torn northern Myanmar face a humanitarian crisis due to lack of adequate shelter, food, water and healthcare, Human Rights Watch said yesterday. The New York-based group accused China of turning back or forcibly repatriating some displaced people from Myanmar’s northern Kachin state, where a 17-year ceasefire between the military and armed rebels collapsed last June. It urged Beijing to let UN agencies deliver emergency aid to the estimated 7,000 to 10,000 ethnic Kachin refugees who have sought refuge in southwestern China since fighting erupted a year ago. “Both aid workers and refugees are telling us that their resources are running out,” Phil Robertson, HRW deputy Asia director, told a news conference in Bangkok. “We are looking at a real humanitarian crisis for this group. It’s a group of refugees in a desperate situation.” China has not provided any aid to the refugees, who are surviving on limited assistance from local and international agencies, and has refused access to the UN refugee agency and other major humanitarian organizations, HRW said.

Suu Kyi visits France PARIS: Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived for the last leg of her historic European tour yesterday in Paris, where she will be treated with the honors of a visiting head of state. The 67-year-old Nobel Peace laureate arrives in France after warm welcomes in Switzerland, Ireland, Norway and Britain and will meet with French President Francois Hollande and other senior officials. “France will pay tribute to this woman’s exceptional struggle for human rights and will mark its active support for the democratic transition under way” in Myanmar, foreign ministry spokesman Bernard Valero said. Suu Kyi arrived in Paris by train from London yesterday afternoon, before heading to the Elysee Palace for dinner and a press conference with Hollande. During her three-day visit Suu Kyi will also meet Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe, the heads of both chambers of parliament, members of the local Myanmar community and her supporters in humanrights groups.

Pakistan to free Indian prisoner on death row ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani official says the president has ordered release of an Indian prisoner on death row for more than 20 years for involvement in bomb attacks in eastern Pakistan. Presidential spokesman Farhatullah Babar said yesterday that President Asif Ali Zardari commuted the death sentence of Sarabjit Singh to life in prison, the equivalent of time served in this case. He said Singh would be freed after completion of paperwork.

Singh was jailed in 1990. A court sentenced him to death for his role in bomb attacks and espionage in Pakistan.

He was set to be hanged in 2008, but the government halted his execution after Singh’s family sought his release on humanitarian grounds. Pakistan and India are nuclear-armed rivals, but relations between them have improved in recent years. Meanwhile, a planned meeting between the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers next month has been postponed, New Delhi said yesterday, citing a clash of dates with India’s presidential election.

The postponement comes at a time of political upheaval in Pakistan, but Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin stressed that the rescheduling was not a sign of any new tensions between the South Asian rivals.

Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna had been scheduled to travel to Islamabad on July 18 to hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar. Akbaruddin said India’s presidential election on July 19 had forced the change of dates.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

NEWS

An installation by artist Pinaree Sanpitak of Thailand, titled ‘Anything Can Break’, is displayed during a media preview of the 18th Biennale of Sydney yesterday. — AFP

Bahrain to pay unrest victims Continued from Page 1 Two other lawyers, Abdullah Al-Shamlawi and Jalila Al-Sayed, also said they did not know of any payments being made.

The BICI reported in November that 35 people died during the unrest, which erupted in February 2011 after revolts overthrew dictators in Egypt and Tunisia. The dead were mainly protesters but included five security personnel and seven foreigners. The report said five people died due to torture. The High Criminal Court ruled that the three policemen accused of killing three

protesters in March 2011 should face trial for murder - a change that could expose them to the death penalty, the information ministry (IAA) said in a statement.

A fourth policeman was sentenced in absentia to five years in prison for assault in the wounding of a protester with birdshot, it said. The officer was hospitalised with severe injuries suffered in a bomb attack two months ago, the IAA said. Bahrain’s government, long led by the Sunni Al-Khalifa family, has given parliament more rights of scrutiny over ministries and budgets but rejected opposition demands for full legislative powers and elected government. — Reuters

Erdogan tells Syria to beware Turkish wrath Continued from Page 1 Erdogan, who fell out with Assad after he dismissed his advice to allow reforms, said Turkey was no warmonger. “Our rational response should not be perceived as weakness, our mild manners do not mean we are a tame lamb,” he told a meeting of his parliamentary party. “Everybody should know that Turkey’s wrath is just as strong and devastating as its friendship is valuable.” NATO member states, summoned by Turkey to an urgent meeting in Brussels, condemned Syria over the incident that resulted in the loss of two airmen. The cautious wording of a statement demonstrated the fear of Western powers as well as Turkey that armed intervention in Syria could stir a sectarian conflict across the region.

“Those who want war may be disappointed by the prime minister’s speech,” Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birand wrote on socila media. “But a big part of society breathed a sigh of relief.” Erdogan said the armed forces’ rules of engagement had been changed as a result of the attack, which Turkey says took place without warning in international air space.

“Every military element approaching Turkey from the Syrian border and representing a security risk and dan-

ger will be assessed as a military threat and will be treated as a military target,” he said.

Turkey is the base for the rebel Free Syrian Army (FSA) and shelters more than 30,000 refugees - a number Erdogan worries could rise sharply as fighting spreads. Rebel soldiers move regularly across the border and defectors muster inside Turkey. Fighting has often moved very close to the frontier and could under the new rules of engagement draw Turkish military reaction, especially if Syrian forces pursue rebels.

Rebels and pro-Assad forces now clash daily across Syria. Fighting broke out in the suburbs of Damascus yesterday, activists said. Video posted by activists showed heavy gunfire and explosions. Blood pooled on a pavement in Qudsiya suburb and a blood trail led to a building to where one casualty had been dragged. A naked man writhed, his body pierced by shrapnel. The Syrian state news agency SANA said insurgents had blocked the old road from Damascus to Beirut. Dozens of them were killed or wounded and others arrested it said. Government forces also seized rocket launchers, sniper rifles, machineguns and a huge amount of ammunition, it said.

Syrian and Turkish accounts of

Friday’s plane shoot down differed.

Syria says it had no choice but to take out the plane as it entered Syrian air space flying low and at high speed. It found out it was Turkish only after the engagement. Turkey insists its aircraft entered Syrian air space only briefly by mistake. Erdogan said Syrian military helicopters had violated Turkish airspace five times this year without Turkey firing on them. He saw Friday’s attack as a deliberate attack. “Our plane was targeted on purpose, and in a hostile way, not as a result of a mistake. The attitude of the Syrian officials following the incident is the most concrete evidence that our jet was attacked on purpose.”

According to Turkey, the Phantom jet was testing Turkish air defences near the countries’ common maritime border when it was shot down. Some analysts say it might also have been probing Syria’s Russian-supplied radar and air defences that would be an obstacle to any form of Western military involvement in Syria. Russia, which has opposed Western calls for Assad’s removal, said the shoot down should not been seen as a provocation or a premeditated action. Moscow has close relations with Damascus and has a naval base at Syria’s port city of Tartus close to the spot where the jet was downed. — Reuters

Qatar Telecom bids for $1.9bn Wataniya...

Continued from Page 1 “Qtel has been keen to boost its Wataniya stake, as with most of its portfolio companies. With Wataniya, it’s really the international operations that they are interested in,” said a telecoms banker who declined to be named. Wataniya, whose chief executive resigned this month, is Kuwait’s No. 2 telecoms operator and also has operations in Tunisia, Algeria, the Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives. Qtel

aims to expand via acquisitions while also growing organically in countries such as Tunisia, Algeria, and Iraq, where its existing mobile and fixed networks need major investment, its CEO told Reuters in March.

The company agreed this month to double its stake in Iraq’s No. 2 operator, Asiacell, to 60 percent for $1.47 billion as it seeks to exploit rising demand for broadband. It also owns a majority stake in Oman’s Nawras and Indonesia’s No. 2 mobile

phone provider Indosat PT. Qtel is being advised by Barclays Capital and the investment banking arm of National Bank of Kuwait, a source close to the matter told Reuters.

New capital markets rules introduced in Kuwait last year require any entity that buys more than 30 percent of a listed Kuwaiti company to bid for the remaining shares within 30 days. The Kuwait bourse suspended trading in Wataniya shares after being notified of Qtel’s offer by the CMA. — Reuters

Oppn demands constitutional reforms...

Continued from Page 1 MP Faisal Al-Mislem said he is certain that the facts discovered by the Assembly investigation committee about the money transfers of the former prime minister were the actual reason for targeting the 2012 Assembly. He said he has seen many sensitive documents related to the scandal and that he did not find any proof that the money was used for Kuwait’s nation-

al interests as claimed by the former prime minister.

Mislem said the opposition will fight the next election on the platform of constitutional amendments and legislative reforms leading to a popular government.

Prominent opposition figure MP Musallam Al-Barrak said the opposition has agreed that it will jointly demand a full parliamentary system. He said that the real battle has begun and the authorities must immediately issue a decree to dissolve the 2009 Assembly.

Egypt junta, Islamists discuss Morsi’s powers Continued from Page 1 be a “president for all Egyptians” but critics question his independence from the movement’s opaque leadership. The party appointed Essam ElErian as its interim leader yesterday to replace him. The Brotherhood, banned under Mubarak, sent its supporters onto the streets last week to protest after the Supreme Constitutional Court ordered the lower house dissolved, saying rules had been broken during its election six months ago.

The new president will be sworn in on Saturday, probably before the Constitutional Court. The Brotherhood will also stage a symbolic swearing-in ceremony in Tahrir Square. Presidents were previously sworn in by parliament, which is now shuttered and under military guard. The presidential election has set the stage for a tussle between the military, which provided Egypt’s rulers for six decades, and the Brotherhood, the traditional opposition - sidelining secular liberals who drove the anti-Mubarak uprising.

“We are working on reaching a compromise on various items so all parties are able to work together in the future,” said Essam Haddad, a senior Brotherhood member and aide to Morsi. Haddad said the talks had cov-

ered possible amendments to the army’s constitutional decree limiting the president’s powers. “We do not accept having a president without powers. The solution being worked out now is scaling back those restrictions so that President Morsi can deliver to the people what he promised,” Haddad said.

Haddad said the military would keep control of its budget and internal affairs but the generals would have to keep their hands off an assembly charged with writing a new constitution. In its power grab, the army gave itself the right to veto articles of the constitution that the assembly will draft, angering the Brotherhood, which itself wants a big say. “The negotiations involve loosening the grip of the generals on the constitutional assembly so that it can draft the new constitution without interference,” Haddad said.

A senior Brotherhood aide said the generals had agreed to lift their veto power over articles drafted by the 100-member assembly, provided that about 10 of its Islamist members were replaced with technocrats favoured by the military. The aide, who asked not to be named, said Morsi’s team and the generals who have ruled Egypt since Mubarak’s removal had also agreed on how ministries should be

divided in the cabinet. “The ministries of finance and foreign affairs would go to the Brotherhood provided they steer clear of the defence, interior and justice ministries,” the aide said.

Morsi met police commanders yesterday at the police academy where Mubarak’s trial was held. The police come under the Interior Ministry, run by ex-police chiefs in Mubarak’s day.

The Brotherhood has pledged to reform a ministry seen as a tool of political coercion and responsible for many past abuses. But the military has striven to clip the wings of an Islamist movement seen for decades as a danger to the state. While it finally accepted that Morsi had defeated a former general in the presidential race, it has also appointed a general to run the presidency’s financial affairs.

Losing candidate Ahmed Shafiq, a former air force chief, left Egypt yesterday for a religious pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, aides said, a day after a prosecutor referred corruption lawsuits naming him to an investigating judge. The army moved swiftly to close down parliament after the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that the assembly had been elected in an unconstitutional manner, even though the vote had been viewed at the time as broadly free and fair. — Reuters

Kuwait faces long-run instability Continued from Page 1 While the latest turn of political events came as a surprise, some said it would give Kuwait the chance to wipe the slate clean, at least in the short-term. “My understanding is that this crisis will pass smoothly,” Ghanim Al-Najjar, professor of political science at Kuwait University, said. “The parliament might meet once then it will be dissolved as it should then fresh elections will be called for and we will move on.”

Political turmoil is not new in Kuwait, which has ushered in four parliaments in six years. One of the world’s wealthiest countries per capita, the OPEC member state has struggled with a corruption scandal implicating political figures and poor parliament-government relations that have hampered policymaking. Although Kuwait has one of the most democratic systems in a Gulf region ruled by autocrats, political parties are banned so politicians tend to form blocs based on religious and tribal ties. This has complicated Kuwait’s political scene and at times aggravated underlying sectarian tensions between majority Sunnis and Shiites, who include some vocal politicians.

The current crisis is different to the one that engulfed the country late last year, Najjar said, because the unpopular prime minister, a nephew of the emir, has been removed. Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah’s government resigned last year after some opposition lawmakers accused it of having made a series of illegal financial transfers via Kuwait’s overseas embassies. A judicial tribunal cleared him of any wrongdoing but the suspicions against him and other political figures helped Kuwait’s mainly Islamist opposition make gains in February’s election when they campaigned on an anti-corruption platform.

Opposition lawmakers failed to strike a deal with the ruling family in February for a significant share of Cabinet posts. They were offered four out of a possible 16 following the election, but they held out for nine, scuttling any deal. Since then, the emboldened opposi-

tion has sought to question Cabinet ministers in parliament and forced the resignation of two, including the finance minister.

The infighting has distracted lawmakers from legislation and threatened the timetable of Kuwait’s KD 30 billion ($107 billion) economic development plan that includes major infrastructure projects supposed to draw in foreign investment. The next parliamentary election might bring in a more government-friendly assembly, Wilkin from Control Risks said, as the aftermath of the corruption scandal runs its course. Opposition parliamentarians came in on an anti-graft platform but then pushed for Islamist legislation instead, he said, instead of sticking strictly to their manifestos. “Since being elected they have pursued Islamist legislation to a degree not representative of Kuwait’s population, which is relatively secular in outlook,” he said, citing a push to make Islamic law the main source of all legislation and efforts to bring in the death penalty for blasphemy.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah blocked both proposals, according to MPs. But governance in the state of 3.6 million people is complicated by its ungainly political structure. The Amir picks the prime minister, who selects 15 ministers to join his Cabinet, usually with members of the ruling family in senior posts. This Cabinet has to work with an elected parliament of 50 lawmakers and relations have been fraught. The Amir also has the power to dissolve the Assembly as many times as he pleases. He has often exercised this power when fighting between the parliament and Cabinet peaked and when senior government ministers are under pressure. “ The Amir remains determined to prevent the opposition from challenging the regime’s structural pillars,” analyst Ayham Kamel from Eurasia group wrote in a note last week. “Many within the ruling family have come to believe that the Amir’s accommodation of opposition demands have weakened the Al-Sabah family and the foundations of the political system.” — Reuters

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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Issues

West recognises Islamist role after Egypt vote

By Martine Nouaille he willingness of Western powers to work with Egypt’s Islamist president-elect Mohamed Morsi recognises the growth of the Muslim Brotherhood and shows a concern for regional stability, analysts say. The United States, the European Union, France and Britain, all hailed the vote as a historic moment for Egypt with its first democratically elected civilian president.

Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood’s candidate who defeated his rival, Ahmed Shafiq, a former premier under ousted strongman Hosni Mubarak, in Sunday’s run-off, had quickly moved to allay fears over the Islamists’ victory in the Arab world’s most populous country.

“This election was both democratic and legitimate despite some problems...”, said Denis Bauchard of the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). And following recent Islamist party victories in Tunisia and Morocco, “it shows that the Muslim Brotherhood has become an undeniable player in the region, at least for now. The Western powers have to recognise them as negotiating partners,” said Bauchard.

Jane Kinninmont, senior research fellow on the Middle East and North Africa at British think tank Chatham House, echoed that view saying “there’s been a big change in Western attitudes towards the Muslim Brotherhood”. “Over the past 18 months it’s become increasingly clear that there are strong, vocal demands for representative government in the Arab world, and it’s increasingly difficult for them to not accept those results,” she said.

A freely elected head of state cannot be ignored, and that leaves the West only to urge Morsi to continue Eygpt’s transition towards democracy which began with the Feb 2011 uprising and as US President Barack Obama put it to work together “on the basis of mutual respect”.

French leader Francois Hollande hoped Morsi would establish in Egypt “a democratic and pluralist political system” which “guarantees the civil and political liberties of all citizens and minorities.”

An official with the Egyptian military, which took charge after Mubarak’s overthrow, told AFP the transfer of power to civilian rule is still scheduled for June 30. For the West “achieving a proper balance” between pressuring the Egyptian military rulers “without triggering widespread hostility will not be easy, especially at a time of heightened xenophobia and mistrust of anything coming from the outside,” the International Crisis Group said in a statement.

The West’s main concern now is that Egypt maintains its international accords, especially the peace treaty with Israel and free access to the Suez Canal, said Karim Emile Bitar of the Institute for International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) in Paris.

“That is essential for the United States, even before democracy,” he said. Bauchard added that “the concern is palpable in Israel” and all the Western powers “can do is wait”.

On Sunday Morsi promised to respect Egypt’s international treaties without being specific, and he has said he would like to reconsider the peace treaty with the Jewish state, but made no suggestion that it would be cancelled altogether.

Kinninmont noted that though the Muslim Brotherhood is much more anti-Israel than the Mubarak regime was, “the Brotherhood have said that they’ll respect the peace treaty with Israel”. “I think it’s overwhelmingly likely that no party that comes into power in Egypt is going to want to go back to a state of war,” she said. “Israel’s main worry is likely to be security in the Sinai area,” she said, explaining that since the uprising it has become “a haven for militants, and not just anti-Israel militants, but militants who are against the Egyptian state.” — AFP

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All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

UN mulls downsizing Syria observer force

By Louis Charbonneau he United Nations is considering cutting the size of its unarmed observer force in Syria, where an escalating conflict has cast doubt on the viability of a UN-backed peace plan and a monitoring team meant to help implement it, UN envoys say. Unless there is a significant reduction in violence soon in Syria, where a 16-month old uprising against the rule of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad h a s killed over 10,000 people, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the head of UN peacekeeping Herve Ladsous will likely recommend a downsizing of the 300-strong observer force next month, UN diplomats say.

“With violence increasing, the most likely option for the United Nations is to reduce or eliminate the (unarmed) m ilitary component of UNSMIS (UN Supervision Mission in Syria) while keeping a civilian component in place as a kind of liaison operation,” a senior Western envoy said on condition of anonymity.

Another council diplomat corroborated his remarks. Ban and Ladsous are expected to make their recommendations for what to do with UNSMIS in a report due at the 15-nation council by July 2. Among the other options being considered, envoys said, are closing it down completely, leaving it as is, or increasing the number of monitors and possibly arming them.

But there is little appetite for those other options in the case of UNSMIS, which said on June 16 it was suspending its operations due to increased risks to the lives of the observers, who have been targeted with gunfire and bombings since they began deploying in April, council diplomats say. “If there’s no change, it’s hard to imagine leaving it as is, turning it into a peacekeeping force with a mandate to protect civilians, or telling everyone to go home,” a diplomat told Reuters. “More likely UNSMIS will remain at some level in case a political process or serious negotiations begin.” There are around 100 civilian experts in UNSMIS, who cover issues like human rights and the treatment of children. “Unfortunately, pulling back may, or even downsizing, could appear as if the UN is washing its hands of the conflict and giving a green light to both sides to fight to the death,” the diplomat added.

A deputy of international mediator Kofi Annan, whose April 12 ceasefire deal and six-point peace plan never took hold, will update the council on Tuesday on Annan’s push for a negotiated solution. Annan wants to hold a June 30 meeting of big powers and regional players, including Iran, on Syria in Geneva.

Britain’s UN Ambassador Mark Lyall Grant said the council has

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“now embarked on a final effort to breathe life back into Mr Annan’s plan. But this will only succeed if this council takes robust action to apply pressure on the (Syrian) regime.”

UNSMIS’ 90-day mandate expires on July 20. The United States and its European allies have repeatedly urged Russia to help increase the pressure on Assad’s government by supporting UN sanctions, but Moscow has refused. Diplomats said Britain, France and other European delegations were keen to push for a new Security Council resolution to make Annan’s peace plan legally binding for the government and rebels. This could open the door to UN sanctions, something Russia and China have repeatedly rejected.

Moscow and Beijing have vetoed two Western-Arab-backed council resolutions that condemned Damascus and threatened it with sanctions. Several Western diplomats said they were ready to brave the possibility of another council veto. “I think there’s a 99-percent chance we’ll see another resolution at the Security Council in the next few weeks,” a senior Western envoy said. If there is another veto, envoys say, it will only further highlight the UN’s irrelevance in Syria.

Adding to the problems on the ground in Syria is the Security Council deadlock on the issue, which diplomats say is reminiscent of the Cold War, when Russia and Western powers were for decades incapable of working together effectively. As a result, it was not until after collapse of Soviet communism in 1991 that the council began agreeing on robust peacekeeping mandates for conflicts around the world. To be fair, the deadlock on Syria has not impacted cooperation between Russia and the United States and Europe on all issues. But as the bloodiest and most protracted of the “Arab Spring” uprisings, the initial determination in New York to tackle Syria has given way to frustration and pessimism.

Despite some limited cooperation with Western powers, Russia and China have been increasingly pro-active in recent years when it comes to preventing Western Security Council members from putting too much pressure on the governments of countries where they have an interest, such as Iran, North Korea and Sudan. Veto powers Russia and China cover each other’s backs on the council to protect their respective allies from interference. Both reject the concept of the “responsibility to protect” civilians from their own governments, a notion the council invoked in March 2011 when it passed a resolution authorizing UN members to use force to protect civilians in Libya. Russia and China abstained, registering their disapproval

but allowing the Libya resolution to pass. Responsibility to protect, or R2P, as it is often referred to, has become increasingly popular in Western diplomatic and academic circles. But Russia and China, like many developing countries, say that R2P contradicts UN principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in countries’ internal affairs.

Russia repeatedly cites the case of Libya, in which NATO provided support to rebels fighting to oust long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi, as a reason why it opposes council action on Syria - a key ally, a purchaser of Russian arms and host to Russia’s only warm-water port outside the former Soviet Union.

“It’s depressing,” said a council diplomat. “It’s impossible to get Russia to move against Assad. Our hands are tied.” While Russia’s leverage on Syria’s strategy in its 16-month-old onslaught against an increasingly militarized uprising m i ght be limited, analysts and diplomats believe that Moscow has more influence over Damascus than any other player on the international stage.

Moscow has yet to use all of that influence, they say, because it does not want to see Assad and his fellow Alawites ousted from power in Syria because Russia fears they might be replaced by an aggressive Islamist government that would order Russia to shut down its naval base. “Russia sees the situation in Syria clearly,” another senior Western diplomat said.

“It’s either Assad or the Islamists.” Moscow has repeatedly said that it is not shielding Assad but that the decision on whether he stays should be up to the Syrian people. It has also urged Damascus and the rebels to implement Annan’s peace plan.

In recent weeks the UN monitors have warned the council that the violence has escalated markedly on both sides, so much so that Ladsous, the head of UN peacekeeping, sa id the conflict is now a full-scale civil war. Not everyone agrees with Ladsous, though it is clear that the rebels now hold some territory and are working hard to get more. The government is expanding its arsenal of artillery and tanks to include helicopter gunships to unseat the rebels. Russia continues to supply Assad with weapons while Saudi Arabia and Qatar are paying salaries to rebels fighting against Assad.

The result is a rising death toll, including mass killings like those at Houla and Mazraat al-Qubeir. Damascus blames the massacres on “terrorists” - its term for the rebels - while the opposition blames the army and allied militia. UNSMIS has said that evidence appears to implicate the army and allied militia. —Reuters

Brother leads Egypt, have no fear

By Fawaz A Gerges he election of Mohamed Morsi as the first democratically chosen Islamist president in the Arab world represents an historic achievement for the Muslim Brotherhood, the most influential religiously-based movement in the Arab world. After decades of persecution and incarceration, what is unfolding today clearly shows the weight and influence of the Muslim Brothers, most of whom are centrist and modernist and accept democratic values, in shaping the political future of their society.

But beyond the historical significance of Morsi’s election as president of Egypt, he will most likely be a transitional president neither the commander-in-chief nor the executive. His presidency will be the weakest since the establishment of the Egyptian republic after the army toppled the old regime in 1952. He cannot declare war without the consent of the ruling generals and cannot veto the newly-established Defense Council in which the military has a voting majority.

The ruling generals will call the shots from behind and will be the driver. In fact, it is doubtful if the ruling generals would have allowed Morsi to assume office without a deal being reached with his Islamist movement. A compromise sees the army in charge of national security and foreign policy, while Morsi and the civilian leadership tackle the broken economy and fragile institutions. With minor exceptions, there will be no qualitative shift in Egyptian regional and international politics. The ruling generals will go to great lengths to maintain a monopoly on pivotal decisions in national security. They will fight tooth and nail to prevent Morsi from shifting Egypt’s regional and international alignments.

After the celebrations subside, the fierce political struggle will resume with a vengeance. In the coming year there are big battles to be waged over the writing of the new constitution, the parliamentary elec-

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tions, relations between the military and the civilian leadership, and the nature of the political system - presidential or parliamentary. Morsi will be pressed between a rock the ruling generals - and a hard place - the rising expectations of the Egyptian people.

The political for tunes of the Muslim Brothers will ebb and flow depending on how they manage to navigate this fierce power struggle.

Notwithstanding the supposed relationship between the military and the Muslim Brotherhood, the triumph of Morsi was not surprising. In the last four decades, the Muslim Brothers, along with other Islamists in neighbouring countries, skilfully positioned themselves as the alternative to the failed secular authoritarian order. They invested considerable capital in building social networks on the national and local levels, including non-government professional civil society associations, welfare organisations, and family ties.

There is little to fear from the rise of Islamists to power. For more than four decades, the Muslim Brothers laboured to enter politics and gain legal status. They learned the art of compromise and pragmatism through hardship and persecution. On balance, ideology takes a back seat to the interests and political well-being of their movements.

More than ever, their message targets specific constituencies and interest groups a sign of an ideological shift and maturity.

Arab Islamists are travelling a similar path as did the Christian fundamentalists and later the Christian Democrats and Euro-communists in Western Europe who in the 20th century subordinated ideology to interests and political constituencies.

Three big points. Firstly, the Muslim Brothers are slowly moving away from their traditional agenda of establishing an authoritarian Islamic state and imposing Islamic law to a new focus that is centred on creating a “civil Islam” that permeates society and accepts political pluralism. Secondly,

Islamist parties, including the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice, are increasingly becoming “service” parties, an acknowledgement that political legitimacy and the likelihood of re-election rests on the ability to deliver jobs, economic growth, and to demonstrate transparency. The example of Turkey, especially its economic success, has had a major impact on Arab Islamists who believe that Islam and capitalism are mutually reinforcing and compatible. The Arab Islamists have, in other words, understood that “It is the economy stupid!”

Finally, despite their rhetoric, the Muslim Brothers continue to mellow in the arena of foreign policy and have shown a willingness to work with Western powers when their interests converge. This includes their posture toward Israel. The Islamists’ commitment to Palestine, rooted in popular pressure from their constituencies, will mean that, while they will not renege on existing peace treaties, their relationship with Israel will remain frozen in the absence of a just solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict that is endorsed by Hamas.

Regardless whether the Muslim Brothers are allowed to carry out their agenda, one point must be made clear. The revolutionary moment is still unfolding with unpredictable turns and twists. Although in the short term the military is the driver, it is fighting a losing battle in the long term. The reasons lie in a mobilized public opinion that, time and again, has forced the ruling generals to retreat, as well as a relative consensus among differing political groups that the military must relinquish power to an elected civilian authority. In this sense, the triumph of Morsi is the first nail in the coffin of military’s rule in Egypt.

NOTE: Fawaz A Gerges is Professor of International Relations and Director of the Middle East Centre at the London School of Economics. His new book, “Obama and the Middle East: The End of America’s Moment?” came out this month.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

sp orts French striker joins Arsenal LONDON: France striker Olivier Giroud has joined Arsenal on a “long-term contract” after leaving Ligue 1 champions Montpellier. The 25-year-old completed a medical on Monday and his contract officially starts on July 1, the north London team said on their website (www.arsenal.com) yesterday.

“The completion of the transfer is now just the subject of formal processes,” said Arsenal who finished third in the Premier League last season to secure a place in the Champions League.

The club did not disclose the transfer fee but media reports said it was around 12 million pounds ($18.67 million). Giroud helped France reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

His 21 goals from 36 league games made him joint top scorer in the French league last season with Paris St Germain’s Nene.

“We are delighted to have secured the signing of Olivier Giroud,” said Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. “He has a very good physical presence and is exceptional in the air with a great work ethic,” added the Frenchman.

“We are excited about Olivier joining us and he will add an additional dimension to our attacking options next season.” Giroud said it had been a dream of his to play in the Premier League. —Reuters

Australian flag at Games SYDNEY: Former Olympic champion Natalie Cook is adamant that the honor of carrying Australia’s flag at the opening ceremony of the London Games should go to a woman.

Cook, who won beach volleyball gold on home sand in Sydney in 2000, qualified for her fifth Games by winning a tournament with partner Tamsin Hinchley in China at the weekend.

Given that longevity in the Olympic arena has played a key part in the selection of the athlete nominated to carry the flag at recent Games, Cook could well land the role herself.

“I am ready for the honor if it is bestowed upon me,” she told Brisbane’s Courier-Mail yesterday.

“I think it is time for a female. I have walked out behind four

males in my four Olympic campaigns.

“Leisel Jones and Anna Meares are obviously contenders but it has got to be a woman as far as I am concerned. “That would be the cherry on top. It would be the most amazing feeling to lead the team out and carry the flag.”

Three-times gold medallist Jones will be the first Australian swimmer to compete in four Olympics when she takes to the London pool, while cyclist Meares has won a gold, a bronze and a silver in her two previous Games.

The last woman to carry Australia’s flag at the Olympic opening ceremony was diver Jenny Donnet, who led her compatriots into the stadium at her fourth games in Barcelona in 1992. —Reuters

Golota faces deportation CHICAGO: Retired heavyweight Andrew Golota could be deported from the United States to his native Poland. The 44-year-old boxer’s case is in court and his wife, Mariola Golota, told The Chicago Tribune (http://trib.in/MLnRwV) that a decision is expected in September.

Golota was a title contender with bouts against Mike Tyson in 2000 and two against Riddick Bowe in 1996 that ended in disqualifications for throwing low blows. He also won a bronze medal at the 1988 Olympics. Golota lives in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook as a legal permanent resident of the US, but a criminal background check was triggered when he filed paperwork to become an American citizen.

Golota pleaded guilty in a 2006 Cook County involving a dozen firearms found in his home.

Golota’s firearm owner’s identification card was temporarily revoked at the time. He also pleaded guilty in Will County in 2003 to impersonating a police officer. Golota was accused of flashing an honorary New Jersey police badge when he was pulled over in the Chicago suburbs.

Mariola Golota said the deportation case is “this big, black cloud that’s hanging over our family.” An attorney and US citizen, she said her husband is treated more harshly because of his celebrity. —AP

Giants win, reel in Dodgers

NEW YORK: Yankees’ Nick Swisher reacts with bench coach Tony Pena (left) after the Yankees’ 7-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians. —AP

Yankees get past Indians NEW YORK: Robinson Cano homered and drove in three runs and Hiroki Kuroda took a shutout into the eighth inning as the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Indians 7-1 on Monday.

Nick Swisher and Dewayne Wise also went deep for the homer-happy Yankees, who opened a seven-game homestand against the top two teams in the AL Central with their third consecutive victory and 13th in 16 games. New York roughed up Josh Tomlin (3-5) early and breezed the rest of the way.

Cano, who hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning Sunday against the New York Mets, picked up where he left off. He smacked a two-run double in the first inning and a solo homer in the third. Cano has hit six of his 17 homers in the last eight games.

Tigers 8, Rangers 2 At Arlington, Texas, Miguel Cabrera drove in three runs with a pair of doubles, and Rick Porcello struck out seven in six innings as Detroit beat Texas.

After their first 12 batters, the Tigers had already roughed up Rangers rookie right-hander Justin Grimm (1-1) for six runs and eight hits. They had only five runs and 15 hits while losing two of three in Pittsburgh over the weekend.

In a rematch of last year’s AL championship series, Cabrera put the Tigers ahead to stay with a two-run double in the first. Josh Hamilton hit his first homer in 12 games for Texas, a two-run shot in the seventh. It was his 23rd of the season.

Blue Jays 9, Red Sox 6 At Boston, Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus and J.P. Arencibia hit two-run homers to lead Toronto past Boston. The Blue Jays overcame three errors, blowing an early four-run lead and two homers by David Ortiz, tying him for the most multihomer game in Red Sox history.

Ortiz had his 37th multihomer game for Boston, tying Ted Williams for the club record.

Toronto starter Henderson Alvarez (4-6) pitched five innings before leaving because of right elbow soreness. He allowed six hits and snapped a four-game losing streak. Boston starter Felix Doubront (8-4) gave up seven runs in six innings.

Royals 8, Rays 0 At Kansas City, Missouri, Luke Hochevar pitched his second career shutout, and Eric Hosmer homered and Yuniesky Betancourt drove in three runs to lead Kansas City past Tampa Bay. Alcides Escobar and Alex Gordon both had three hits for the Royals, who were coming off an embarrassing sweep at the hands of St. Louis in which they were outscored 30-14.

Hochevar (5-7) provided some much-needed rest for their weary bullpen. He struck out eight and extended his streak of scoreless inning to 16 2-3 innings. No Royals starter had even gone eight innings so far this season. Alex Cobb (3-4) had his first career complete game for Tampa Bay. Twins 4, White Sox 1 At Minneapolis, Francisco Liriano spoiled Kevin Youkilis’ first game with Chicago, throwing a season-high seven innings to lead Minnesota over Chicago.

Liriano (2-7) allowed just three singles, two walks and a double. The left-hander struck out five and won for the first time this month. He held Chicago without a run until Alexei Ramirez’s sacrifice fly in the seventh inning.

Jared Burton notched the save for the second straight game for the Twins, filling in for injured closer Matt Capps.Youkilis, acquired from Boston on Sunday, singled in the eighth inning for his first hit as Chicago’s new third baseman.

It wasn’t enough for Jake Peavy (6-4), who is 0-3 in five June starts.

Athletics 1, Mariners 0 In Seattle, Tommy Milone became the first Oakland rookie to earn eight wins before the All-Star break by beating Seattle.

Milone (8-5) struck out five and didn’t walk anyone in his second straight superb outing.

Last Wednesday, he threw the first complete game by a rookie in the majors this season, against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ryan Cook finished in the ninth for the save. Seth Smith hit a first-pitch fastball from Erasmo Ramirez (0-2) for the game’s only run. Ramirez, in his third career start, was an unlucky loser, having pitched seven scoreless innings and striking out a career-best 10. Seattle has gone 23 innings without scoring. —AP

MLB results/standings NY Yankees 7, Cleveland 1; Philadelphia 8, Pittsburgh 3; Toronto 9, Boston 6; St Louis 8, Miami 7 (10 innings); Cincinnati 3, Milwaukee 1; Chicago Cubs 6, NY Mets 1; San Diego 8, Houston 7 (10 innings); Detroit 8, Texas 2; Kansas City 8, Tampa Bay 0; Minnesota 4, Chicago White Sox 1; Colorado 4, Washington 2; Oakland 1, Seattle 0; San Francisco 8, LA Dodgers 0.

National League American League Eastern Division Eastern Division Washington 41 30 .577 W L PCT GB Atlanta 38 34 .528 3.5 NY Yankees 44 28 .611 NY Mets 39 35 .527 3.5 Baltimore 41 31 .569 3 Philadelphia 35 40 .467 8 Tampa Bay 40 33 .548 4.5 Miami 34 39 .466 8 Boston 38 35 .521 6.5 Toronto 38 35 .521 6.5 Central Division Cincinnati 40 32 .556 Central Division Pittsburgh 38 34 .528 2 Chicago White Sox 38 35 .521 St. Louis 39 35 .527 2 Cleveland 37 35 .514 .5 Milwaukee 33 40 .452 7.5 Detroit 36 37 .493 2 Houston 30 43 .411 10.5 Kansas City 32 39 .451 5 Chicago Cubs 25 48 .342 15.5 Minnesota 30 42 .417 7.5 Western Division Western Division LA Dodgers 43 31 .581 Texas 45 29 .608 San Francisco 41 33 .554 2 LA Angels 40 33 .548 4.5 Arizona 37 35 .514 5 Oakland 36 38 .486 9 Colorado 28 44 .389 14 Seattle 31 44 .413 14.5 San Diego 27 47 .365 16

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco’s Pablo Sandoval hit a two-run double and sacrifice fly to help the Giants to an 8-0 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, cutting the gap between the National League West’s top teams to two games.

San Francisco’s Barry Zito end a three-start losing streak.

Angel Pagan and Hector Sanchez each drove in two runs for the Giants, who are closest to the NL West lead since early April.

San Francisco starter Barry Zito (6-5), who had allowed 17 runs in 14 1-3 innings during a three-start losing skid, pitched seven scoreless innings.

Dodgers starter Nathan Eovaldi (0-4) was tagged for a season-worst eight runs in five innings, stretching his winless stretch to 11 starts since a victory in his major league debut last year.

Reds 3, Brewers 1 At Cincinnati, Mat Latos struck out a personal-best 13 batters in his second career complete game as Cincinnati beat Milwaukee.

The National League Central leaders won for only the second time in seven games. The Brewers, who won the division last year, have dropped eight of 13, falling 7 1/2 games back one short of their season high.

Latos (6-2) gave up four hits, including a drive by Norichika Aoki that made it 63 straight games at Great American Ball Park with at least one homer.

Latos also singled twice, matching a career high.

He finished it off by fanning Rickie Weeks with his 109th pitch. Eighty of his pitches were strikes. Jay Bruce doubled home two runs in the fourth off Yovani Gallardo (6-6), who allowed four hits over six innings. Brandon Phillips had an RBI double in the eighth.

Phillies 8, Pirates 3 At Philadelphia, Joe Blanton threw seven effective innings and Jimmy Rollins homered for the fourth time in five games as Philadelphia downed Pittsburgh.

Blanton (7-6) allowed three

runs - two earned - and seven hits, striking out eight. The Phillies are 15-2 against the Pirates in their last 17 meetings at Citizens Bank Park.

Jeff Karstens (0-2) gave up seven runs - six earned - and 11 hits in five innings in his first start since April 17. Karstens was on the disabled list with hip and shoulder issues. Jose Tabata hit a solo homer for the Pirates and also made two throwing errors in Philadelphia’s four-run first inning.

Chad Gaudin (1-1) was charged with the loss. The Marlins have lost 16 of 19.

Rockies 4, Nationals 2 At Denver, Stephen Strasburg came up short in his recordbreaking attempt as Colorado downed Washington. Strasburg (9-2) allowed three runs in six innings. He was bidding to become the first Washingtonbased pitcher to win seven straight starts since Bob Porterfield did it for the Senators

a two-run homer as Chicago downed New York and ended a four-game losing skid.

Cubs starter Travis Wood (23) struck out six over seven scoreless innings. He has given up just eight runs in 31 2-3 innings this month.

Chicago scored four unearned runs in the seventh inning with help from three Mets errors. Mets starter Johan Santana (5-4) gave up five hits over six innings.

LOS ANGELES: San Francisco Giants outfielders Angel Pagan (left rear), Melky Cabrera (center) and Gregor Blanco celebrate after the final out of the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. —AP Cardinals 8, Marlins 7 At Miami, Rafael Furcal and pinch-hitting pitcher Joe Kelly drove in runs in the 10th inning as St. Louis edged Miami and held on for its fourth straight victory.

Yadier Molina earlier hit a two-run homer off Miami reliever Heath Bell in the ninth, capping a four-run inning and tying the game 6-6. Cardinals closer Jason Motte allowed one run before getting a fly out with two runners on base to end it. Victor Marte (2-1) got the win, and

in 1953. The last pitcher from the Nationals franchise to win seven straight starts was Pedro Martinez in 1997 for the Montreal Expos, who moved to Washington. Todd Helton hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the sixth inning for the Rockies.

Dexter Fowler had two hits and Carlos Gonzalez delivered a tying RBI single. Colorado’s Josh Roenicke (3-0) took the win with two scoreless innings.

Cubs 6, Mets 1 At Chicago, Joe Mather hit

Padres 8, Astros 7 In Houston, Carlos Quentin hit an RBI double in the 10th inning to lift San Diego over Houston.

Chase Headley walked with one out and stole second before Quentin drove him in with a drive off Brandon Lyon (0-2). San Diego had grabbed a 7-6 lead on Jesus Guzman’s two-run homer in the eighth inning but Jason Castro tied it with a solo shot in the bottom half. Dale Thayer (12) pitched a perfect ninth for the win and Huston Street finished for his 11th save. —AP

Dobyns leads PGA Professional SEASIDE: Matt Dobyns shot a 4under 68 in windy conditions Monday to take a three-stroke lead after the second round of the PGA Professional National Championship.

The 34-year-old Dobyns, the PGA head professional at Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, N.Y., had an 8-under 136 total. He played the Bayonet course, the site of the final two rounds, after opening at Black Horse on Sunday.

“I’m just happy to be here more than anything else,” said Dobyns, making his first start in the tournament. “Really I’m just happy to be playing golf, whether it’s in this or at home with members. It doesn’t matter what the venue is for me. I just love being out there. The fact that I’m playing well makes it a little more enjoyable, certainly. I get to play two more days and I’m excited about that.”

First-round leader Mike Small, the University of Illinois coach who won the event in 2005, ‘09 and ‘10, had a 73 at Bayonet to drop into a tie for second with Paul Scaletta at 5 under. Scaletta, a PGA assistant at

The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla., shot a 72 at Bayonet.

“I salvaged my round with two birdies coming home, but for the most part, the things I did well yesterday, I didn’t do well today,” Small said. “I didn’t pay attention to detail today and that cost me.

The wind was more difficult today than yesterday. The greens are drying out.” The final top 20 will earn spots in the PGA Championship in

Matt Dobyns

August at Kiawah Island. Dobyns plays right-handed and putts lefthanded, using a cross-handed grip. He turned to the unconventional style when he was 19.

“When you miss enough putts, you need to find a way to figure it out,” Dobyns said. “That’s what it comes down to. I needed to make a dramatic change. So I basically built it from scratch, took the knowledge I had and wasn’t able

to apply on the right side and then I turned around and just built a stroke left-handed.”

The former University of Texas player closed with a birdie on the 18th hole and needed only 25 putts on the demanding Bayonet layout.

“After I played the golf course, I knew that I had a chance because it really suited my eye,” Dobyns said. “I liked a lot of the tee shots, a lot of the framing. I was concerned about the contour of the greens and not being very familiar with them, but if you’re careful and you pay attention, you can manage that somewhat and that’s what I’ve done. Am I surprised? A little bit, but I’m not shocked.”

Matt Slowinski, a PGA assistant pro at Glen Oak Country Club in Glen Ellyn, Ill., had an albatross on the 518-yard, par-5 10th at Bayonet, holing out with a 5-iron from 205 yards. He missed the cut with rounds of 75 and 76.

“That shot was a career highlight,” Slowinski said. “We were in the fairway and I knew I hit a good shot but we didn’t hear any applause.” —AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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Big jostling for spot in Sprint Cup chase SONOMA: Brad Keselowski started his Monday by studying the Sprint Cup Series standings. Currently 10th in points with two wins this season, Keselowski should be in solid position for a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. Turns out he is just part of the logjam of talented drivers vying for one of the 12 berths.

“Looks like the wildcard race (9-12) is about to get crazy,” he tweeted. That’s an understatement.

By Keselowski’s count, there are eight drivers jockeying for four positions under the wild card element NASCAR introduced last season to its titledeciding, 10-race championship. Only the top 10 in points after the 26th race of the season are guaranteed a spot in the Chase, with the final two positions going to the drivers with the most wins who aren’t already locked into the field.

There are 10 races left to set the field, and there are big names in danger of missing the cut. Among them is Carl Edwards, who wouldn’t be eligible if the Chase began today. A year after tying Tony

Stewart in the standings and losing the championship on a tiebreaker, Edwards could very well be a spectator if this “hangover season” doesn’t turn around quickly.

Recent history has shown that the driver who loses the championship battle suffers through a slump the next season. Nobody had it worse than Denny Hamlin, who lost the 2010 championship to Jimmie Johnson in the season finale and struggled most of last year.

Even Edwards has been through this before: He won nine races in 2008 as the runner-up to Johnson, and went winless the next year while finishing 11th in the Chase field. Mark Martin failed to make the Chase in 2010 after finishing second to Johnson, and Jeff Gordon wasn’t nearly as competitive in 2008 - he went winless and finished seventh in the final standings - after going down to the wire with Johnson in the championship race.

So here Edwards sits, 16 races into this season, struggling to be a factor at the same time Roush

Fenway Racing teammates Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle sit 1-2 in the standings with one win apiece.

He’s not alone, though.

Kyle Busch is in a horrendous stretch of bad luck: Before Sunday’s 17th-place finish at Sonoma, he had three consecutive engine failures and he’s currently 12th in points. He would make the Chase as a wild card if the field was set today based on his victor y earlier this season at Richmond, but he has a bunch of one-win drivers breathing down his neck.

Among them is Ryan Newman, the winner at Martinsville who is 13th in points and would be the second wild card today. Newman is followed by Joey Logano, the Pocono winner who is 15th in the standings, and Kasey Kahne, the Charlotte winner ranked 17th.

That drops Edwards down to fifth in the current wild card standings. And remember, Keselowski with his two wins doesn’t even think he’s safe. He has just an 11-point lead on 11th-place Edwards,

and should he fall a spot or two in the standings, he would suddenly be battling every driver with one win to get a wild card.

That means Martin Truex Jr. isn’t in the clear, either. He is ninth in points, but winless and could fall into Edwards’ territory.

Keselowski is probably in good shape, since it is unlikely that both wild-card drivers will have two wins each - they are more likely to be in the top 10 in points.

But Edwards needs to get moving. Busch’s bad luck has to end soon, and Logano and Newman are both in free-agent years needing a strong summer push to lock down 2013 jobs. Kahne is with powerful Hendrick Motorsports, and a horrendous start to the season has him presently 14th in points. But at just 69 points outside the top 10, he could come charging along at any time. It’s going to get interesting over the next 10 weeks and this race to make the Chase could very well give NASCAR a big boost through the summer. — AP

Spithill holds lead heading into final PARIS: This file photo taken July 25, 2010, shows Lance Armstrong looking back on the podium after the 20th and last stage of the Tour de France cycling race. — AP

Evans to defend Tour title, Wiggins eyes first victory PARIS: With Spanish superstar Alberto Contador suspended for doping, the Tour de France looks wide open. Australian veteran Cadel Evans will defend his title, and Olympic champion Bradley Wiggins hopes to give Britain its first victory at cycling’s biggest event - just days before the London Games.

The 99th Tour starts on Saturday in Liege, Belgium, and will cover 3,500 kilometers over three weeks.

Race planners have given slightly more weight this year to time trials compared to mountains, generally seen as the twin pillars in cycling races that separate title hopefuls from the stragglers.

The Olympics, which start less than a week after the Tour ends, is casting a shadow on this year’s race forcing some to choose one event or the other. Belgian sprinter Tom Boonen and promising American Taylor Phinney are skipping the Tour to focus on the London Games.

American Tyler Farrar - who plans to ride in both - has said it’s “a little frustrating” that cycling has two of its biggest events nearly back-to-back.

Cadel Evans Once again, cycling’s longtime doping scourge looms large.

Contador, the biggest name in cycling since the Lance Armstrong era, had one of his three Tour titles stripped in February and was banned from racing to August after he tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol in the 2010 Tour.

Pre-race injuries and illness also have depleted the cast of contenders. RadioShack Nissan leader Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, who inherited Contador’s 2010 title and is also a two-time Tour runner-up, will be at home after injuring his spine this month in the Criterium du Dauphine race. Norway’s Thor Hushovd, who won two Tour stages last year, is out while he recovers from a virus.

At least one Tour record will be rewritten this year. American veteran George Hincapie, a BMC teammate of Evans and Armstrong’s longtime lieutenant during his run of seven Tour titles, will begin his 17th Tour de France - breaking the record he had shared with Dutch legend Joop Zoetemelk for the most Tour starts in history.

This race also looks like one of the most promising in years for Britain, in particular through Team Sky. Mark Cavendish, one of the world’s top sprinters who already has 20 Tour stage victories, recently joined the team.

But he has said he expects to be less dominant in Tour sprints this year because he has changed his training and lost weight with an eye to the Olympics, where bookmakers see him as a favorite to win gold. He also will be without his longtime lead-out man, Mark Renshaw of Australia, who is on Dutch squad Rabobank.

Plus, Sky has put the lion’s share of its resources behind Wiggins, who crashed out of last year’s Tour and wants to give Britain at least its first podium finisher at the Tour - if not an outright winner. This season, the three-time Olympic track champion has again proved his success at morphing into a road racer, winning three competitions, including this month’s Dauphine Libere.

Evans, who was third in that race, remains a question mark: The 35year-old didn’t race in May and this year has won only the three-day Criterium International in April. The BMC team leader still has a strong cast of supporters including Hincapie, Philippe Gilbert of Belgium, and young American rider Tejay Van Garderen.

This year’s race features three uphill finishes, which is relatively few by recent Tour standards. The first comes on the eastern Vosges range in Stage 7, with a short, steep ride up the Planche de Belles Filles - a plateau named for a legendary mass suicide of French damsels faced by the threat of Nordic invaders centuries ago. The others are rides up to ski stations: La Toussuire in the Alps in Stage 11, and Peyragudes in the Pyrenees in Stage 17.

In keeping with tradition, the course in this even-numbered year runs clockwise around France. After three days in Belgium, the race cuts from the English Channel across northern France to the Vosges, down to the Alps, down to the nudistbeach town of Cap d’Agde on the Mediterranean Sea, then into the Pyrenees, followed by a dash up to Paris for the July 22 finish on the Champs-Elysees. This year, more than most, time trials will get star billing. The race against the clock, in which riders set off one by one, is a discipline traditionally dominated by riders like Wiggins, Switzerland’s Fabien Cancellara of RadioShack Nissan - a favorite for Saturday’s 6.4kilometer prologue in Liege - and Germany’s Tony Martin of Omega Pharma-Quick Step.

Time trials require sustained power, good aerodynamics, and monk-like self-control: Racers can’t slide into the wake of competitors to save energy. Contador is one of the world’s best time-trialers, as was Armstrong in his day.

Outside threats for overall victory include Dutch rider Robert Gesink, the winner of the Tour of California this year, American veteran Levi Leipheimer - generally solid in both time trials and the mountains - and Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali, who is returning to the Tour for the first time since 2009 after winning the Spanish Vuelta the following year and placing second last year in the Giro d’Italia. The International Cycling Union promises hundreds of antidoping tests during the race, on par with last year, as part of the continued effort to root out drugs cheats from the peloton. —AP

NEWPORT: In less than two years, the America’s Cup World Series has gone from a concept to a global competition that will crown its first champion on Sunday in Newport, Rhode Island.

Oracle Racing’s Jimmy Spithill, the youngest skipper to win the America’s Cup, holds a four-point lead over Team New Zealand’s Dean Barker in the overall standings after five regattas.

Sunday’s competition will include the match racing and fleet racing finals in fast 45-foot, wing-sailed catamarans. Eight crews from six countries will compete Thursday through Sunday in Newport, which hosted racing for the America’s Cup from 1930-1983.

Racing on Thursday through Saturday can be viewed live on americascup.com.

This will be the fifth of six regattas in the opening season of the ACWS. Previous stops were in Portugal, England, San Diego - another former home of the America’s Cup - and Venice and Naples, Italy.

Spithill thinks the ACWS - a prelude to the 34th America’s Cup next year on San Francisco Bay - has exceeded expectations. A new class of boats and a fan-friendly racing format evolved after Oracle Racing, owned by Silicon Valley maverick Larry Ellison, beat Alinghi of Switzerland in 2010 following a bitter court battle that severely damaged the image of sailing’s marquee regatta.

“I think a few of us thought we had the concept right, but it was really something that hadn’t been done, and was on paper,” Spithill said. “So, I mean, to be racing on the canals of Venice and to turn it into a TV product, which hasn’t really worked in sailing before, has far exceeded expectations. To see it come off and actually have what we call spectator sailing, where huge crowds turn up and really enjoy it, and with live TV graphics, I think that’s been a huge success.”

“I think it’s exciting that when it gets to San Francisco it will really attract a new audience,” Spithill said. “At the end of the day it’s great for the sport because we’ll just get more and more people interested and educated about the sport.”

Spithill, who was 30 when he skippered Oracle

Racing’s giant trimaran to victory in 2010, has 84 points in five regattas to lead Team New Zealand by four points. Sweden’s Artemis Racing and its American skipper, Terry Hutchinson, are third with 71 points, followed by France’s Energy Team (65), Team Korea (56) and Oracle’s second team (53).

Rounding out the field are two teams from Italy’s Luna Rossa, Piranha and Swordfish. China Team is the latest syndicate to drop out, although it has said it intends to develop young sailors through the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup as a bridge to a future allChinese America’s Cup sailing team.

Oracle Racing CEO Russell Coutts returns to helm the syndicate’s second boat. He skippered the boat in the first two ACWS events last year before handing the helm to double Olympic medalist Darren Bundock so he could concentrate on off-the-water duties.

Coutts re-joined the crew as tactician in Venice.

Bundock will resume his previous coaching role.

“Obviously it would be nice for us to win. We certainly hope that Jimmy Spithill’s team wins it,” said Coutts, a four-time America’s Cup winner. Coutts also is pleased with the ACWS. “I think the series is very competitive now,” he said.

“There’s not a weak team out there. With Ben Ainslie coming in in the next event, there’s another strong team.”

The second season of the ACWS will begin in August on San Francisco Bay. That regatta will mark the debut of Ainslie, the British sailing star who will head Ben Ainslie Racing. Ainslie will be trying for his fourth straight Olympic gold medal in the London Games. Ainslie will sail with Oracle Racing in the 34th America’s Cup. He hopes to lead a British challenge in the 35th America’s Cup. Team Korea’s skipper, Nathan Outteridge of Australia, will be the gold medal favorite in the 49er skiff class at the Olympics. Oracle Racing crewmember Tom Slingsby of Australia is sitting out this regatta while training for the Olympics. He’s the favorite in the Laser class.

The 34th America’s Cup will be contested in 72foot catamarans. Oracle Racing plans to launch its first

72-footer in August on San Francisco Bay. The America’s Cup recently won an Emmy for its LiveLine technology, which superimposes graphics on the screen, such as ahead-behind lines, which enable viewers to see which boat is leading, and race-course boundaries.— AP

NEWPORT: In this Sept. 21, 1983 file photo, the American 12-meter yacht Liberty (left) and the Australian entry Australia II (right) head for the starting line as they began one of the America’s Cup races. — AP

Heat celebrate in streets of Miami MIAMI: The NBA championship trophy was center stage, bathed in white light and sitting on a pedestal. And each Miami Heat player offered it a different greeting.

Mike Miller bowed. Udonis Haslem kissed it three times. Chris Bosh hugged it, and LeBron James strolled past before waving at the crowd.

Dwyane Wade did something different. In a nod to his preferred postgame fashion style throughout the playoffs, he emerged with a pair of faux eyeglasses and slipped the frames onto the neck of the trophy. Heat president Pat Riley, coach Erik Spoelstra and team managing general partner Micky Arison all donned the black spectacles as well at various points during the party. The glasses were fake. The sentiments were all real.

And with that, two years after Wade, James and Bosh opened their time together with a celebration, they got the party they really wanted on Monday. An estimated 400,000 people filled the streets of Miami for the Heat championship parade, and then 15,000 more got into the arena afterward for a long, loud reception for the NBA’s new kings. “It’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. ... This was my dream, right here, to be able to hoist that Larry O’Brien Trophy up, hug it, grab it, never want to let it go,” James said. During the parade, players and coaches were on double-decker buses with friends and family, most of

them taking photos and video of the crowd. Other Heat staff were on flatbed trucks, as confetti fell and horns blared every step of the way. Wade cradled the championship trophy in his arms for much of the ride.

“I appreciate all our fans for sticking with us,” said the now two-time NBA champion Wade, adding, “Best fans in the world.”

And then the party moved inside, with a similar setup to the event that welcomed James and Bosh to Miami to play alongside Wade in July 2010. Music blared for nearly an hour as fans danced for joy, before the arena went dark briefly - and the trophy was sneaked onto the stage.

For nearly 90 minutes afterward, the Heat relived so many aspects of the season, from Haslem’s flagrant foul against Indiana’s Tyler Hansbrough in the Eastern Conference semifinals (“the greatest flagrant foul in team history,” Heat broadcaster Eric Reid told the crowd) to countless highlights from the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City, the Heat left few stones unturned.

Juwan Howard - the first member of Michigan’s Fab Five to win an NBA title - did the Cabbage Patch dance, as teammates broke into absolute hysterics, waving their arms in time with him. Mario Chalmers was asked about why Wade and James yell at him so much on the court, as a montage of some of their more fiery moments played

MIAMI: Heat basketball player Dwyane Wade hugs the NBA Championship trophy after a public celebration. — AP

MIAMI: Heat’s Udonis Haslem kisses the NBA Championship trophy during a public celebration for the team. — AP

on the giant video screens. And the Miami natives, Haslem and James Jones, got perhaps the loudest ovations of anyone outside of the finals MVP. “Feels great, man,” said Haslem, who along with Wade is the lone holdover from Miami’s 2006 championship club. “Changing my name from Mr. Miami to Mr. TwoTime. I ain’t Mr. Miami no more. I’m Mr. Two-Time. ... It never gets old. But this one is more gratifying because of the way last season ended.”

Spoelstra had a similar sentiment, talking to the crowd about the team’s commitment, especially after Miami lost last season’s finals to Dallas.

“People from the outside, they criticized this group, this team,” Spoelstra said. “They counted this team out.

But they never estimated how close this group was as a family. Every single one of these players had to sacrifice something, either money, opportunity, minutes to be a part of this dream. And it was all for a moment like this.”

After the celebrating was done, there was business.

Wade reiterated that he would seek medical advice before committing to play with the Olympic team. Bosh who missed nine playoff games with a strained lower abdominal muscle - said he was “all in, for now” on being part of the London Games. And Miller, who was hobbled by back and foot issues, said on Twitter he planned to meet with Miami neurosurgeon Dr. Barth Green on Tuesday, presumably to get checked out and discuss options. Miami won the title by defeating Oklahoma City in five games in the NBA Finals. It was the second title for the Heat and the first for James, who nodded and pointed to fans for much of the parade. James came to Miami after seven years in Cleveland, and after he and the Heat fell in the finals a year ago, he’s finally a champion.

“It’s good being around other people who support LeBron,” said Doug Mead of Toledo, Ohio, who came to the parade with his family. “They really don’t like him in Ohio. They celebrate when he loses.”

Everyone was celebrating in Miami on Monday. Arison snapped and tweeted several photos during the parade.

Riley shouted “Thank you” to fans over and over, as his wife, Chris, stood to his left and led “Let’s go Heat” chants.

Some fans began lining up for spots along the parade route Sunday night.

“I’ve been a fan since ‘89. For me personally I feel like I’m part of the Heat family,” said Dexter Pace of West Palm Beach, Fla. “I’ve been through the goods, the bads, the losses, the trades, and now it’s like someone in my family has accomplished something. .... It’s going to mean a lot for the city of Miami, winning the championship.”

As the event ended, Bosh thanked both the fans inside the arena and those outside, saying that without them, nothing would be possible for the Heat. “It feels right,” Bosh said. “This is how it’s supposed to be ... and I would like to do it all the time.”— AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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Van Koeverden forgets past to focus on future CANADA: With the London Olympics beckoning, Adam Van Koeverden is all business. The Canadian kayaker takes his sport seriously and already has his game face on.

With an Olympic resume that already includes a complete set of medals, gold (K1 500 metre) and bronze (K-1 1,000m) from the 2004 Athens Summer Games and a silver (K-1 1,000) in Beijing, Van Koeverden heads to London with just one chance but plenty of expectations to add to his collection.

For the past two Summer Games, the muscular kayaker, who looks as if he was chiseled out of granite, has been the face of his country’s Olympic effort, proudly leading the team into a sweltering Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing after carrying the Maple Leaf at the closing ceremonies in

Athens four years earlier. He has also borne the expectations of a nation, a sometimesheavy burden that has not always rested easily on his massive shoulders.

Pegged as Canada’s best bet for gold in Beijing, Van Koeverden failed to win a medal in the K-1 1,000 finishing a wellbeaten eighth. Humbled by his defeat, he later apologised to the entire country but has now consigned the experience to history.

“That’s redundant. I had my ups and downs in Beijing but I also won a silver medal (K-1 500) which is something people like to forget when they talk about my disappointing results in Beijing,” he told Reuters. “There were lots of expectations on me and I had a lot of pressure on myself.

I don’t look back four years. I’m not looking

back to see what I did wrong when I was 26. “I am finished answering questions about Beijing because it was four years ago.” After winning two medals in Athens, greater things were expected of Van Koeverden in Beijing where the form book suggested he was the paddler to beat.

He came into the Games undefeated in 2007, world champion in the K-1 500 and silver medalist in the 1,000, his meticulous preparation ready to pay off in more Olympic gold until the final when the field blew past him as if he had dropped anchor.

Since then Van Koeverden has logged close to 20,000 kilometres in training and competed in dozens of races insisting there is nothing to be taken from the experience in Beijing that will help him in London, where he will contest only one event the K-

1 1,000 with the 500 dropped from the Olympic program. “Every athlete is different and I’m a different athlete than I was four years ago and I’ll be a different athlete, if I still am an athlete, in four years from now,” said Van Koeverden.“I’ve raced three world championships and 12 World Cups since then. “I raced when I was 27, 28, 29 and now I’m 30 so no I’m not looking back four years, I’m looking back at my last World Cup to see what I need to iron out.”

Kayaking may not fire up Canadian passions the same way hockey can or hold the special status of a national sport like baggataway (lacrosse) but it is woven into the country’s fabric and history.

It was the voyageurs blazing a trail not on land but across the thousands of lakes that helped open up the New World and

paddlers, be it rowing, canoeing or kayaking are Olympic events Canadians have come to expect medals in.

Van Koeverden embraces that spiritual connection retreating between events to his Fortress of Solitude, a small cabin without electricity or running water in Algonquin Park in northern Ontario where he reconnects with paddling’s roots while putting himself through gladiatorial-type training sessions. “I don’t do yoga or go to church so I guess my spiritual moments are all in Algonquin Park,” said Van Koeverden.

“It’s a good opportunity to relax and still do my job and do it in an environment that is cleansing in a way.

“I was there on the weekend and paddled, just a nice refresher sort of a reminder why I love this sport so much.”—Reuters

Lochte masters Phelps

EUGENE: Nicholas Symmonds reacts after winning the men’s 800m finals at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials.—AP

Williams makes London despite fourth place finish EUGENE: High jump world champion Jesse Williams made it to the London Games with a whimper rather than a bang when he finished a disappointing fourth at the US Olympic trials on Monday.

Williams missed three times at 2.31 metres after clearing 2.28 on his third attempt on a wet and cold day in Eugene but clinched his spot on the American team because the third place finisher did not have the “A” qualifying standard.

“The whole goal was to make London and now I am there I want to get on that podium,” said Williams. “These conditions, they were tough. It was really difficult for me to get in a groove and jump to my capabilities,” said Williams, whose personal best is 2.37.

“What I did today is really not a reflection of me.” The Eugene resident added: “I definitely need to start jumping in the rain here a little more often.”

The seemingly ageless Jamie Nieto won the competition at 2.28 in a reflection of the weather. The 35-year-old did not have a miss before failing three times at 2.31.

“I am so happy,” said the former US champion. “In 2008, I missed the Olympic team. I got second and didn’t have the ‘A’ standard.”

Collegians Erik Kynard and Nick Ross finished second and third, both at 2.28. Nieto and Kynard will join Williams in London, but Ross will stay at home because he does not have the required standard.

Only the top three finishers in events at the trials book trips to the Games provided

they have the qualifying standard. “It’s bittersweet I didn’t make the team,” Ross said. “I’ll definitely be on that podium again.”

Five times national champion Nick Symmonds dominated the men’s 800 with front-running Alysia Montano claiming the women’s race.

Olympian Symmonds brought cheers from the hometown crowd when he sped home in one minute, 43.92 seconds.

“I want to bring a medal back so badly,” said Symmonds, who was eliminated in the semi-finals at the 2008 Games. “The semis are so unforgivable. ....But once you make the finals it’s anyone’s race.”

Khadevis Robinson, like Nieto aged 35, nipped Duane Solomon by one-hundredth of a second for second place. Montano, who runs with an artificial flower in her hair, won the women’s event in 1:59.08 ahead of Geena Gall and Alice Schmidt. “ The flower in my hair represents strength,” Montano said. “People look at women in sports differently. People say, ‘Oh she runs like a girl.’ And I just say, ‘Why the heck not run like a girl?’”

Former world champion Bernard Lagat easily qualified in the men’s 5,000. He trailed Lopez Lomong across the finish line with a time of 13:42.83.

Trials 10,000 winner Galen Rupp also was a qualifier in the other preliminary. The competition takes a planned two-day break beginning late yesterday. It resumes tomorrow and concludes on Sunday. —Reuters

Hughes ready for more double duty TORONTO: Clara Hughes has already won her biggest battle. A rebel who found a cause, she is the only athlete to win multiple medals at both the Winter and Summer Games. The 39-year-old was once a troubled teenager, now she is an inspiration to millions of Canadians, finding success in speedskating, cycling and life.

She already has six Olympic medals, equalling her speed skating teammate Cindy Klassen as Canada’s most successful Olympian, but may not be finished yet after booking her place in the team for London. “I have no idea what lies ahead after London,” she told Reuters. “If it continues, it continues, if it stops I can call it a pretty good career.

“As an older athlete realising this could be the last chance I have to live this challenge,

Clara Hughes this opportunity to achieve something that means something to me.”

At London, Hughes will be competing at her sixth Olympics, three Summer and three Winter, in 16 years. She won medals at four of her five previous Games.

She collected two bronze medals in cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and four medals in speedskating, including gold in the 5,000 metres at the 2006 Turin Games.

She missed the last two Summer Olympics after giving up cycling but decided

to make a comeback and qualified for London. “I’m thrilled beyond belief to be on this Olympic team, just to have the chance, the honour, to earn my spot for a sixth time in my life is something I don’t take for granted,” she said. “It’s something so humbling, so special...I feel completely inspired by this opportunity. That hasn’t changed, it hasn’t dulled one bit.

Olympic fame certainly did not appear to be in Hughes’ future when she was growing up in Winnipeg as a rebellious teen.

A runaway and pack a day smoker, Hughes skipped school, drank alcohol and dabbled in drugs, the only record she seemed destined for was a police record.

Her life changed when she was 16 and watching television. She saw a profile of Canadian speed skating great Gaetan Boucher and was instantly hooked.

Her fascination with speed skating was enough to set her life on a new course but it was soon replaced by another athletic pursuit, trading in her blades for a bike.

In Atlanta, she finished third in the road race and third in the time-trial. She also rode at Sydney in 2000 but did not win a medal so returned to her first sporting love.

At Salt Lake in 2002, she won a bronze in the 5000m, becoming only the fifth athlete to win medals at the both the Summer and Winter Games.

In Turin, she became the first multiple medallist, winning gold in the 5000m and silver in the team pursuit. She also won a bronze at Vancouver in 2010 and was given the ultimate honour of carrying her nations’s flag.

She has also been awarded a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame and named an officer of the Order of Canada for her work outside of sport. When she won her gold medal in Turin, she donated $10,000 to the humanitarian group Right To Play.—Reuters

OMAHA: Beating Michael Phelps does not surprise Ryan Lochte any more. What was once regarded as mission impossible has suddenly become second nature to the American.

After spending most of his career swimming in Phelps’ backwash, Lochte is now the pacesetter, regularly beating his rival in a range of events.

At last year’s world championships, Lochte defeated Phelps in the 200 meters freestyle and 200 individual medley, events that Phelps once ruled supreme. At the US Olympic trials on Monday, Lochte beat him again, in the 400m individual medley, to book his place in the American team for London.

By finishing second Phelps also qualified and will get another chance to race Lochte for the Olympic gold, but Lochte no longer holds any fears about racing him. “It’s a rivalry that we have had for almost eight years now and we just have been switching back and forth,” Lochte said.

“It’s hard to say who is the best swimmer, because we’re both great racers, and we have been going back and forth for so long.”

Perhaps the most surprising part of Monday’s race was that it was hardly a surprise at all. As expected, Phelps led Lochte after the opening butterfly leg, but was overtaken on the backstroke leg and trailed for the rest of the race.

Lochte even slowed down at the end and glided into the wall to win in four minutes 07.06 seconds. Phelps was second in 4:07.89, more than four seconds outside the world record he set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. “That’s about what we expected,” said Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman. “He just kicked our ass.” Lochte was less impressed by his own performance, knowing

that his best is yet to come. He has been trained to peak at the London Olympics from July 27Aug. 12.

“That time was not good at all, I know I’m capable of going way faster,” he said. “There is definitely a lot of places during that race where I knew I could go as faster, I just didn’t.

“But, I had to do what I had to do to get on the wall, and hopefully that will change in a month.” Inspired by watching Phelps win eight

gold medals in Beijing, Lochte is targeting a similar haul in London, although he is yet to confirm exactly how many races he will swim.

He entered 11 individual events for the trials but has already pulled out of one, the 400m freestyle, leaving him with 10, plus the three relays.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” said his coach Gregg Troy. “We’ll see how he goes and how his body is. Our plan is very fluid.”—Reuters

OMAHA: Ryan Lochte swims in the men’s 400-meter individual medley final at the US Olympic swimming trials.—AP

Brigden-Jones paddles from Manly surf to London waters SYDNEY: Jo Brigden-Jones is hoping the skills and competitive spirit she forged in the thumping Australian surf will lead her to Olympic gold on more placid waters in London later this year.

Brigden-Jones and two of her team mates in Australia’s kayak team are members of the Manly Surf Life Saving Club, an elite group of volunteers called on to pluck distressed swimmers and surfers from the Pacific Ocean in good weather or bad. Surf life saving clubs are not uniquely Australian but they form an essential and, in their iconic red and yellow skullcaps, a highly-visible thread in the social fabric of Australia’s many beachside communities.

Established in the early 1900s to watch over bathers as beach culture

flourished, Australia’s 300-plus clubs have expanded into competitive sports including such as board riding, swimming and paddle races. It was competitions like these that BridgenJones, a 24-year-old nurse, started to develop the skills that have turned her into an Olympian.

“It’s tough when you face big surf or it’s freezing cold in the middle of winter,” she said from Moscow where she was racing in gusty conditions earlier this month. “You have to be brave and tough it out ... It’s part of the Australian culture.”

London will be a first Olympics for Brigden-Jones, who will be competing in the women’s K4 500 - a fourperson flatwater kayak race over 500 metres.

The tall blond will team up with Hannah Davis and Lyndsie Forgarty,

both surf lifesavers in their own parts of Australia, with former Briton Rachel L o vell completing the quad.

That three quarters of the team got into sprint paddling from surf lifesaving is no great surprise.

“Nearly all of Australia’s great kayaking champions and nearly all the medallists at the Olympic games have come out of surf lifesaving beginnings,” according to Clint Robinson, a gold medallist in kayaking at the 1992 Barcelona games.

Brigden-Jones competes for Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches, one of Australia’s oldest surf clubs whose establishment dates back to the start of the twentieth century.

Her surf lifesaving started at the age of six when she joined Nippers, a youth programme designed to practice surf swimming and ocean-safety

skills. Every summer Sunday, thousands of kids take over Australia’s most popular beaches for a morning of friendly surf lifesaving competition. “I wanted to be with my friends and have fun outdoors,” she recalls.

She took a break after a couple of years, only to rejoin at 19 to add surfski paddling to her flatwater kayaking activity.

“It helps you balancing your life and how to fit everything and stick to training.” Braving the surf taught her how to appreciate and respect the elements. “It’s part of the Australian culture. That’s why you can’t find many countries doing what we do,” she said. But surf lifesaving is not just about fun and just last year volunteers drawn from the more than 150,000 members of clubs were involved in 12,000 rescues. —Reuters

Kuwait Shooting Sports Club General Assembly underway at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex.

KSSC hold General Assembly KUWAIT: Kuwait Shooting Sports Club General Assembly was held on Monday at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex under the chairmanship of Chairman of the Board Sheikh Salman Sabah AlSalem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, KSSC Secretary General Obeid Munahi AlOsaimi, Treasurer Essa Ahmad Butaiban, Assistant treasurer Adnan Nasser Al-Ibrahim, and Board member Nidal Ahmad Al-Sayed Omar.

President of the Asian and Kuwait Shooting Federations, and Vice President of the International Shooting Sports Federation Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud started the meeting with thanks to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad for his continued support of youth in general and shooting sport in particular and urging them to exert all efforts to excel in the international arenas.

Sheikh Salman was extremely appreciative of HH The Amir’s patronage of an annual international shooting championship in his name to which all shooters from around the world are invited.

Sheikh Salman spoke about the achievements of Kuwait Shooting, reminding the assembly that four Kuwaiti shooters qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, in addition to 44 gold, 38 silvers and 37 bronze medals in various championships. He said Kuwait youth shooters were crowned world champions in the trap event.

He also lauded the training courses organized by the club for national guard personnel, as well as courses for officials under the supervision of the ISSF to develop and improve the level of Kuwaiti officials in the shotgun and air weapons shooting. Sheikh Salman lauded the efforts of chairman and managing director of PAYS major general (Rt.) Faisal Al-

Jazaf and his deputies and appealed to the authority to meet the club’s demands as well as caring for the outstanding shooters.

The general assembly then approved the administrative and financial reports for the period ending 31/3/2012, then approved the budget for the 2012/2013 fiscal year.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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Team’s defeat fails to spoil Ukraine party KIEV: Ukrainians endured the heartbreak of their team failing to move beyond the first round in their home Euro 2012 but are still revelling in the rare spotlight the event has thrown on their young nation. The number of Ukrainians watching games at the specially constructed fan zones laid on for supporters in Kiev and other cities has fallen since their blue-and-yellow heroes were knocked out after a nail-biting clash with England.

But the Euro 2012 co-hosts along with Poland are still enjoying the rare influx of foreign guests, in an effervescent atmosphere which is stark contrast to the public relations fiasco which marked the build-up to the tournament.

“It’s great that the Euro took place here... The foreigners are going to go back with good impressions about Ukraine,” said Olexander, 40, as he watched the EnglandItaly quarter-final with the Ukrainian flag draped across his arms.

“Ukraine was criticised a lot before but here the atmosphere has turned out to be much better,” he added.

Olexandra Shamrai, 16, was watching the match in the Kiev fan zone with English and Italian flags painted on

each cheek in an impressive show of neutrality.

“The main thing is that our country-which was not so well known in Europe-has been visited by many people. I am in touch on Facebook with some and they are saying they want to come again,” she said. The fan zone in the centre of Kiev has been visited by 1.2 million supporters, out of 2.7 million who have visited similar venues nationwide, according to Euro 2012 organiser in Ukraine Markiyan Lubkyvskiy.

“Ukrainian fans and Ukrainians as a whole have shown themselves to be a kind nation, open to the world and possibly this has been the most unexpected thing in the whole tournament,” he told reporters. Lubkyvskiy also praised the country’s police force, who were hardly considered as a national treasure before the Euro. “I hope that these good features will remain after the championship,” he said.

The build-up to the tournament was anything but a good advert for Ukraine amid fears that the cash-strapped government would not finish the infrastructure on time.

Weeks before kick-off, a scandal broke over the treatment

of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko, prompting several EU leaders to announce they would boycott the matches in Ukraine. As if that was not enough, fears over racism in Ukraine were fanned by a BBC documentary which showed fans making Nazi salutes and black England ex-player Sol Campbell telling fans to stay away or risk “coming back in a coffin”.

But so far there have been no incidents marring Ukraine’s hosting of the tournament, the biggest event it has held since it won independence from the crumbling Soviet Union in 1991.

“Foreigners can come here and see how things really are,” said Artyom Serdyukov, 45, in the fan zone. “And also patriotism has increased thanks to the performance of the Ukrainian national side.” Kevin Miles, of the English Fan “embassy” which gives advice to supporters abroad, told AFP he was very happy with the running of the tournament.

“There are always tiny details that you know from experience you can improve but generally it’s been very good,” he said. “They (Ukrainians) are great! A lot of people came

to us (asking) do you need some help and what are you doing,” added Gabriele Rechberger, who is also working with foreign fans.

The weekly Korrespondent said: “With the Euro 2012, Europe is discovering a Ukraine without racism, without mediaeval savagery and street gangs.”

The fan zones have also operated with success in other Ukrainian host cities like Kharkiv and semi-final host Donetsk.

“I do not want this Euro to end and the fan zone to close. It’s great here. The atmosphere-it’s like Europe,” said Tatyana Malysheva, 24, from the industrial city of Makiivka in the Donetsk region. In contrast to the build-up, the Euro has had a more troubled course in its co-hosts Poland, where Russian fans were involved in serious crowd trouble and an Irish fan was found dead, without any suggestion of foul play.

Poland was also ejected from the Euro at the first round stage but tens of thousands have continued to throng the fan zone in Warsaw and thousands in other host cities like Gdansk on the Baltic.—AFP

Racism overshadows semi-final preparations

Michel Platini

Time stood still when Platini broke Portuguese hearts DONETSK: It was the moment when time seemed to stand still just long enough for Michel Platini to score one of the most memorable goals of his brilliant career and break Portugal’s hearts.

It happened 28 years ago this week, when Portugal, who play Spain in yesterday’s Euro 2012 semi-final at the Donbass Arena, were involved in their first European Championship semi-final, and the first of what are now three last four defeats to France.

There was 119 minutes on the clock and penalties looming at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille; France and Portugal were level at 2-2 in the semi-finals of Euro 84 and Platini was about to deliver a magical moment.

Platini, now the UEFA president but then at the peak of his powers as one of the world’s greatest players, collected a pass on the six-yard box, from Jean Tigana which the elegant midfielder had hit slightly behind him.

Most players might have swung a shot at the ball, but this was Platini. He took one touch to control it - and all the players and the 55,000 fans in the stadium also seemed to freeze in anticipation - knowing what was coming next.

For with that next touch Platini smashed the ball high into the roof of Manuel Bento’s net and France were through to the final where they beat Spain.

Portugal ended as beaten semi-finalists and the legacy of that defeat lives on today.

Portugal coach Fernando Cabrita, speaking minutes after the game, said: “I am so tired and feel so emotional. I haven’t seen a game like this for years.

“At the end of the day, football won. I congratulate France for never having abandoned its attacking football and to get to the Paris final with justice.”

It was perhaps the start of Portugal’s footballing “fado”, the mournful Portuguese music that embraces a certain delight in sorrow.

Euro’84 was only the second major tournament Portugal had reached after the 1966 World Cup when they also lost in the semi-finals to the host nation, going down 2-1 to England with Eusebio finishing as the tournament’s highest scorer with nine goals.

Although they qualified for the 1986 World Cup, the next time they reached the later stages of a major tournament was at Euro’96 when they were beaten by Karel Poborsky’s brilliant chip for the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, but by then, they had created plenty of interest internationally.

Their “golden generation” of youngsters like Luis Figo, Paulo Sousa, Rui Costa, Nuno Gomes and goalkeeper Vitor Baia among

others, had won the 1989 and 1991 Under20 World Cups.

And many of those title-winning players were at their peak at Euro 2000 when Portugal again fell at the penultimate hurdle, and again lost to France just before the end of extra time.

As in 1984, Portugal led after Nuno Gomes scored with their first shot of the game in Brussels, and they held the lead until Thierry Henry equalised for France early in the second half.

The match went to extra time, and again with penalties looming, the drama began when Abel Xavier was adjudged to have handled a Sylvain Wiltord shot.

The Portuguese players, including current coach Paulo Bento, went completely crazy as France were awarded a penalty and the match ground to a halt for several chaotic minutes before order was restored and Nuno Gomes was red-carded.

Bento ended up with a six-month ban for shouting at the referee and trying to take the red card from the official’s hand as he showed it to Nuno Gomes. Another French master, Zinedine Zidane, kept his cool among the mayhem, and scored the ensuing penalty as France won 2-1.

Four years later Portugal were Euro hosts and after losing to Greece in the opening match had made it into the semifinals, which this time ended in victory and a 2-1 win over the Netherlands with goals from current skipper Cristiano Ronaldo and Maniche.

Greece, who beat the fancied Czech Republic in the other semi, now lay in wait in the final in Lisbon for a match which would, it was widely expected, see the golden generation finally fulfil their destiny with a major honor.

But it turned out to be the blackest day ever for the long-suffering Portuguese as Greece, the 100-1 outsiders before the competition started, beat Portugal for the second time with Angelos Charisteas’s second half winner.

Portugal bounced back at the World Cup finals in Germany two years later, but again the golden generation came up short with France and more heartbreak lying in wait in yet another semi-final defeat. This time a first half Zidane penalty condemmed them to a 1-0 loss in Munich.

“We came close in Euro 2004 and then in 2006 we gave another great performance,” Ronaldo said before this competition kicked off.

“This could be our year, I believe in it.

We are confident, when we go into a competition is to win it. We are not favourites, we know of the difficulties but I believe.”

Now old rivals Spain, the world and European champions, lie in wait-but at least Portugal can take heart it is not France.-Reuters

KIEV: Racism again cast a shadow over Euro 2012 yesterday, providing an unwelcome distraction from the soccer as Spain and Portugal and Germany and Italy prepared to do battle for a place in Sunday’s final in Kiev. UEFA said it had opened disciplinary proceedings against the Spanish football federation (RFEF) and the Russian football union (RFS) for alleged racist behavior and chanting by fans.

European soccer’s governing body also fined the Croatian football federation (HNS) 30,000 euros ($37,400) after supporters set off and threw fireworks and displayed “inappropriate and racist banners” during a match against Spain, their second racism-related sanction of the tournament.

The issue of racism dominated the build-up to Euro 2012, which is being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine and is the biggest sporting event in eastern Europe since the collapse of communism. There were fears that fans from the host nations would cause problems but supporters of other teams have mainly been to blame, with UEFA taking its time to review evidence and act even with Russia and Croatia long gone from the tournament.

Amid the latest controversy, the four semi-finalists were making final preparations for today’s clash between Portugal and Spain in Donetsk and Thursday’s meeting between Germany and Italy in Warsaw.

Neutrals are hoping the heavyweight quartet, featuring talents of

the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta, Mesut Ozil and Andrea Pirlo, will serve up more exciting fare than some of the uninspiring games have offered so far.

Holders Spain, in particular, have been accused of playing boring football, although they will not mind further criticism if they manage to keep Portugal captain Ronaldo quiet and get past their Iberian neighbours.

Playmaker Iniesta said Spain’s short-passing possession method, which has yielded a European Championship and World Cup triumph, is not about to be ditched simply because some believe it is not entertaining.

“We have our own style, our own game which has brought us success,” he told a news conference.

“We can’t forget that a few years back we changed the history of Spanish football, nor can we forget the way that we did it.”

The man likely to be tasked with stopping Ronaldo, right back Alvaro Arbeloa, had no illusions about the size of the task facing him.

“I know how hard it will be to stop him for 90 minutes, but it will be a beautiful challenge for me,” said the right back, who plays with Ronaldo at Spanish champions Real Madrid.

“We all know how well he is playing at these Euros,” added the former Liverpool man. “It is very hard to play against him, he is very confident, he is playing very well, but we will try to stop him.”

Germany, who lost 1-0 to Spain in

DONETSK: View taken yesterday shows the tee-shirt made for the Portugal vs Spain Euro 2012 football championships semi-final match at the Donbass Arena stadium in Donetsk.—AFP

Spain’s PM would go to final — minister MADRID: Spain and Portugal would end a boycott of Euro 2012 soccer matches in Ukraine to attend the tournament’s final, the Spanish foreign minister said.

Officials from Madrid, Lisbon and other European capitals have boycotted matches held in Ukraine, which is co-hosting the tournament with Poland, over the jailing of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. She is awaiting trial on tax evasion charges she claims are politically motivated.

Portugal did not immediately comment on whether it would send representatives to the final held on Sunday in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev.

Spain and Portugal play each other in today’s semifinal, and the winner will play either Germany or Italy for the title. “The (Spanish) prime minister was at the first game and will be at the last,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo said in comments quoted in Spanish media on Monday. Spain’s opening Euro 2012 game against Italy was played in Gdansk, Poland.

“The Portuguese have told us they will also be there,” Garcia-Margallo said, adding jokingly, “which means they will go with us and they’ll be very welcome”.

The Spanish prime minister’s office did not respond to requests for comment on Monday or yesterday. The Portuguese Foreign Ministry could not be reached for comment on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Paulo Portas said before the tournament started that “the event is mostly a sporting one - it should not, in our view, be contaminated by politics”. However Portuguese officials have not attended matches in Ukraine.

Garcia-Margallo said Spain had already sent a powerful message by not sending representatives to the Spain-France quarter-final in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk. “It’s a sufficiently clear and significant political signal of what we think,” he said.

A Ukrainian court on Monday adjourned the trial of Tymoshenko until mid-July, a move that will spare Kiev further negative publicity during the tournament. — Reuters

the final of Euro 2008, will be looking to Bastian Schweinsteiger to nullify the threat posed by Italy’s standout player Pirlo if Germany are to beat the Italians at a major championship for the first time.

Schweinsteiger will almost certainly start against Italy after receiving unequivocal backing from coach Joachim Loew despite a niggling ankle injury.

The holding midfielder, who was sidelined for a couple of days before returning to training on Monday, has yet to peak at Euro 2012 and has struggled with his movement and speed.

“Obviously he can do things better than against Greece (in the 4-2 quarter-final win) but we need Bastian,” Loew told reporters. “He is an emotional leader for us. He has matured unbelievably in the last three years or so. I think it is important for our team when Bastian Schweinsteiger is there.”

The Germans lost an entertaining World Cup semi-final to eventual victors Italy on home soil in 2006 but are favorites to progress this time having won all four of their matches.

Injured Italy players Daniele De Rossi, Ignazio Abate and Giorgio Chiellini are undergoing intensive physiotherapy to try to be fit for tomorrow’s game.

Team doctor Enrico Castellacci refused to rule any of the three in or out yesterday, even remaining cautious on Chiellini’s chances despite the centre back training normally after a thigh problem. — Reuters

French federation in Euro storm PARIS: French midfielder Samir Nasri turned 25 yesterday but according to the sports daily L’Equipe, he had better make the most of any celebrations, as he faces potentially a long ban from the national side. His behavior at Euro 2012, which included two outbursts at journalists and being deemed by several team-mates as a disruptive influence, is the reason why the squad’s 100,000 euros ($125,000, 80,000 pounds) a player bonuses are now under the scanner. Nasri has also put at risk sponsorship money paid to the French Football Federation (FFF) based on independent polling about the behavior and popularity of “Les Bleus” during major competitions.

The FFF had already seen each sponsor reduce its contribution by two million euros after the 2010 World Cup, which saw players go on strike and then exit at the first stage, and a threat of a 20 percent reduction if the team’s popularity dipped more. The results of the latest poll are unlikely to make happy reading for either the French football authorities or the players. L’Equipe estimates that with FFF president Noel Le Graet up for re-election in Samir Nasri

December, he will want to make an example of Nasri and the Manchester City star could face a ban of up to two years, ruling him out of the next World Cup finals. Aside from Nasri, other players are also seen as having sullied the team’s image.

Most players snubbed the handful of fans who turned out in the rain at Le Bourget airport to welcome the team home. The majority hardly managed a wave and instead got into their pre-booked taxis and left. Subsequent revelations about the size of the bonuses further turned public opinion against them in France, with the fires stoked by several politicians.More striking was the comparison with the Italians, who aside from reaching the semi-finals, will donate their bonuses to the victims of the two earthquakes in the north of the country last month that killed 25 people.

Other players who look like being brought to account over their behaviour at the tournament-Hatem Ben Arfa, Jeremy Menez and Yann M’Vila-face less heavy sanctions than Nasri for a variety of offences, according to reports.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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Today’s Match on TV UEFA European Championship

Portugal v Spain 21:45 Al-Jazeera Sport 1 HD Al-Jazeera Sport +9 Al-Jazeera Sport +10 Al-Jazeera Sport 2 HD Al-Jazeera Sport - Euro

Rooney running out of time to shine KRAKOW: Another major tournament, and another major disappointment for Wayne Rooney. The man regarded as the most gifted English footballer of his generation is running out of opportunities to prove that his dazzling debut at Euro 2004 was anything more than a teenage flash in the pan.

Suspended for the first two matches of England’s Euro 2012 campaign, Rooney made a goalscoring return in the 1-0 victory against Ukraine, a win which helped his side finish top of Group D. Although the Manchester United striker looked some distance off his best form, England’s management remained optimistic that Rooney would turn in an improved showing in the quarter-finals against Italy.

However that optimism proved to be ill-founded on Sunday as the 26-year-old failed once again to stamp his authority on a major tournament after disap-

pointments at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Looking alarmingly short of match fitness, Rooney was also guilty of ceding possession all too frequently-completing just 27 of 50 passes attempted, a completion rate of 54 percent. Only James Milner, with 48 percent, was lower.

Rooney’s disappointing performances means that he will have to wait another two years until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before he has another chance to prove he deserves to be bracketed with the world’s best footballers.

Rooney’s displays have focused attention on his physical conditioning. His decision to take a pre-tournament holiday in Las Vegas, where he was photographed visiting the gaming tables and nightclubs of Sin City, looks even more ill-advised.

However England manager Roy Hodgson has insisted his coaching staff

were happy with the striker’s fitness when he joined up with the squad last month.

“We’ve monitored his fitness levels and in training he has looked very fit,” Hodgson said Monday shortly before England left their Krakow base.

“In the first game he didn’t show any particular signs of lacking any fitness and he played the 120 minutes (on Sunday).

“I think what you might be saying is that you’re a bit disappointed with his performance and maybe thought he could have played better.” It is hard to argue however that Rooney has looked as lean at Euro 2012 as he did in his scintillating 2009/2010 season, as comparison of images of the two periods reveals.

Nevertheless Hodgson defended the fitness of his striker. “You could put fitness down to anything. That was the classic Italian trick. Every time an Italian team loses a game, you hear they’re not

fit,” he said.

“You can put a lot of things down to fitness, but there was no reason for us to doubt his fitness. His running stats in the training sessions and the games were actually very good.”

Hodgson conceded however that Rooney may have struggled to meet the high expectations set by the management.

“I think we put a lot of expectations on him,” he said. “When he missed the first two games we were all believing that what we need to do now get to the third game and Wayne Rooney will win us the championships.

“That maybe was too much to ask of him. He certainly tried very hard, but he didn’t have his best game. I think he would admit that. “That might be down to a number of factors, but I don’t think that fitness itself was a particular factor.”—AFP

Casillas eyes 100th win in Portugal semi

DONETSK: Portugal’s players and coaches gather on the center of the pitch during the official training on the eve of the Euro 2012 soccer championship semifinal match against Spain.—AP

Coentrao, the man behind Ronaldo DONETSK: After a mixed first season with Real Madrid, Fabio Coentrao has enjoyed a renaissance with Portugal at Euro 2012 despite the onerous task of having to provide cover for Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he sustained a knock to his left leg that ruled him out of training on Saturday, the former Benfica player is expected to line up in his side’s semi-final against Spain in Donetsk today. Portugal coach Paulo Bento would be loath to lose the services of such an indispensable player. Bento is not prone to squad rotation but the fact that Coentrao has started and finished all four of Portugal’s matches so far demonstrates the left-back’s strategic importance to the team’s approach.

A former left-winger, Coentrao is an accomplished dribbler and attacking player but his role for Portugal is clearly defined: secure the left flank to give Ronaldo a solid platform upon which to perform. The opening 1-0 loss to Germany raised doubts about Portugal’s resolve but Bento’s men quickly got back on track by beating Denmark 3-2, with Coentrao instrumental in setting up Silvestre Varela’s 87th-minute winner. In the wins over the Netherlands and the Czech Republic that followed, Coentrao continued to alternate between covering Ronaldo’s attacking forays and charging forward to overload the right side of the opposition defence. However, faced with Spain’s armada of attacking talents, he will have to rein in his attacking instincts. Coentrao is likely to come up against Madrid team-mates Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos, Alvaro Arbeloa and Iker Casillas, but his primary concern will be Spain’s David Silva, whose intelligent probing always requires close attention. Having struggled to displace Marcelo in the Real Madrid first team, Coentrao is using the Euro to remind coach Jose Mourinho of his worth.

A close-season acquisition from Benfica in 2011, Coentrao flitted between roles in midfield and defence in his debut Madrid campaign, labouring to justify his 30 million euros ($37.4m) price-tag.

He was notably the subject of strong criticism after Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in April in the away leg of their Champions League semi-final defeat.

A month earlier, he had been caught out by paparazzi with a cigarette hanging from his mouth after a night out to celebrate his 24th birthday. Unimpressed, Mourinho promptly dropped him.

From the player’s perspective, Coentrao says the gulf between his performances for his club and his national side is a question of “confidence”. “The environment is completely different,” he said.

“With my team-mates’ confidence, I’m able to show what I’m capable of.” Ronaldo, for one, needs no reminding of Coentrao’s worth.—AFP

Iniesta rejects ‘boring’ tag DONETSK: Andres Iniesta Andres believes Spain are only accused Iniesta of playing boring football because their opponents are too defensive, ahead of today’s Euro 2012 semi-final against Portugal.

Vicente del Bosque’s side are bidding to become the first team in history to claim three consecutive major international titles, having triumphed at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup. Their ‘tika-taka’ passing style has earned endless plaudits during their four-year period of dominance, but La Roja have started to face criticism for the sterility of their possession-based game.

Spain endured few awkward moments in their 2-0 quarterfinal win over France, with a brace of Xabi Alonso goals bookending a match largely devoid of goal-mouth incident.

Lauded for breathing new life into the sport after their World Cup triumph, Spain now face accusations of trying to strangle the life out of the games they play in, but Iniesta says the criticism does not concern him. “Football is great in this respect,” said the Barcelona midfielder. “Not everyone likes the same things and not everyone agrees on everything. It’s the diversity of opinion that makes it so special.

“We have our own style, which has brought us success and given us two trophies. But all opinions are valid, and I respect them. “The truth is that when you have a team that always attacks, and you attack against closed defences that leave no space, of course it’s not as attractive as an open match between two teams that want to win.

“But this is the style that has brought us success and it’s the style that we can identify with. Don’t forget, a few years back, this style changed the history of Spain forever, and I think that’s enough.”

Del Bosque echoed Iniesta’s remarks. “Of course we don’t want to stagnate,” said the Spain coach. “We want to go forward, and winning two trophies is proof of our qualities.

We’ve got our own style. People might not like it, but it’s a style that brought us success. And people are always looking for things to complain about.”—AFP

GNIEWINO: Spain captain Iker Casillas can become the first player to notch up 100 victories in international football if his team beat Portugal in today’s Euro 2012 semifinal.

To do so, on his 136th appearance for his country, the Real Madrid goalkeeper will have to thwart his club team mate and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who has three goals at the tournament and has been on scintillating form.

Eliminating the Portuguese, who have only beaten their Iberian neighbors once in seven competitive games, would give Spain a chance to become the first nation to win back-to-back continental titles with a World Cup in between.

Casillas believes former World Player of the Year Ronaldo has still not quite reproduced the form that helped Real win La Liga for the first time in four years last season. “His season at Madrid was incredible in terms of the way he played, the goals and the records,” the 31-year-old, known in Spain as “Saint Iker” thanks to his miraculous saves, was quoted as saying in Monday’s Marca sports daily. “I don’t think that right now he is at his best level,” he added.

A fired-up Ronaldo has been peppering opposition goals with shots in Portugal’s four Euro 2012 outings and Casillas said he will have to be wary of any deviation in the air due to the peculiar way Ronaldo strikes the ball.

“The ball does something strange,” he told Marca, adding that those being used at Euro 2012 did not bend and swerve as much as the “Jabulani” used at the World Cup two years ago.

“It doesn’t quite reach those extremes but if you give it a good whack it always swerves in a deceptive way,” he said. “I’ll have to be on my guard.” Spain’s last competitive meeting with the Portuguese came at the 2010 World Cup, when they won a close encounter 1-0 thanks to a secondhalf David Villa strike.

Spain struggled to penetrate Portugal’s defence in that match in Cape Town but the introduction of towering striker Fernando Llorente early in the second half changed the game.

Llorente, whose strength and height were too much for the Portuguese centre backs, could be an option today if the game follows a similar pattern, defender Gerard Pique said. “He used his power in the air to great effect and fought like a lion,” Pique told Reuters in an interview at Spain’s training base in Gniewino, northern Poland on Monday.

“He could be an option for today and he is training very, very well,” added the 25year-old. “He is one of the players who has yet to feature but for sure he will get his chance and that could be against Portugal.” Pique knows Ronaldo and fellow winger Nani from his time at Manchester United and said it would be wrong for Spain to think Portugal were a one-man team.

“Nani is a player with a lot of quality in one-on-one situations,” he said. “He can pop up on the right or the left and is a born goalscorer with a powerful shot. “We will have to use all the weapons in our arsenal to stop him and Ronaldo.” The winners of today’s game will meet Germany or Italy in Sunday’s final in Kiev.—Reuters

Bumper English TV deal to curb La Liga change GNIEWINO: Ten Real Madrid players will pull on the shirts of Spain, Portugal and Germany in this week’s Euro 2012 semi-finals, the latest reminder of the clout wielded by the world’s richest soccer club by income.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive player at about $125 million, will lead Portugal’s Pepe and Fabio Coentrao out against their Real team mates representing Spain in Donetsk today, before Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira line up for Germany against Italy in Warsaw tomorrow. Real’s economic might, and that of great domestic rivals Barcelona, the world’s second richest club who have seven players in the Spanish squad, mainly derives from their stranglehold over revenue from La Liga television rights.

Their whopping TV deals, negotiated individually, allow them to buy and pay the best players and compete with European rivals like the Manchester clubs, United and City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, while their Spanish peers are left trailing far behind.

Analysts have long argued that Spain needs to adopt the system of collective bargaining and income sharing for TV rights used in other major European leagues or else more of Spain’s professional clubs will follow Real Zaragoza, Real Betis, Racing Santander and others into administration.

Real and Barca have come under some pressure to agree a fairer distribution of TV cash but analysts say a recent collective deal struck by the English Premier League, which will boost revenue by 70 percent over three years, makes it unlikely they will give up their current dominance.

The economic crisis gripping Spain and Europe has only made the need for change more urgent, while the success of the Spanish national team stands in stark contrast to the parlous financial situation in the country’s domestic league.

“A majority of clubs are bankrupt,” Jaume Llopis, a senior lecturer at the IESE business school in Barcelona, told Reuters.

Real and Barca gobbled up roughly half the 640 million euros ($799 million) Spanish clubs earned from TV rights in the 2010-11 season, according to a study published in April by University of Barcelona accounting professor Jose Maria Gay. Barca’s 163 million and Real’s 156 million dwarf the 42 million earned by Valencia, who finished a distant third behind champions Real and secondplaced Barca in La Liga last season.

In a deal announced this month, broadcaster BSkyB and former state telecoms company BT will share live domestic English Premier League rights from next year.

They agreed a three-year contract worth 3.018 billion pounds ($4.70 billion) that will narrow the revenue gap between clubs like Manchester United, City and Chelsea and Real and Barca.

“There is no doubt that this TV deal will improve the competitive position of English clubs,” the Swiss Rambler, a widely-respected blogger on soccer finances, wrote last week. The top two in England, United and City, earned about half as much from TV rights as Real and Barca last season but the gap may close altogether depending on the size of overseas rights deals and whether Spain’s dominant pair can be persuaded to adopt an English-style bargaining system, he added.

However, Angel Barajas, associate professor of financial management at the University of Vigo, said such a change to the Spanish set up was even less likely after the new Premier League deal with English clubs using their increased resources to try to lure even more of the world’s best players.

“Madrid and Barca will still be able to compete for this talent as their TV contracts guarantee them large amounts of revenue,” Barajas told Reuters.

“But they will want to hold on to individually negotiated deals as this will allow them to stay at the same level as the richest clubs in the Premier League. “Perhaps the imbalances in the Spanish league will become even greater.”

The accounts of Spanish clubs already make grim reading with the 20 teams in the top flight having combined debts of 3.53 billion euros in 2010-11, according to Gay. Income was about 1.67 billion euros, with Real and Barca alone accounting for more than 900 million. “We are at a very delicate moment and it will be hard to straighten out Spanish soccer in the midst of the financial and economic storm gripping Spain and Europe,” Gay told Reuters.

“You have to add in football’s own crisis that the clubs have been provoking in recent years with accounting imbalances and monumental levels of debt.” Clubs in Spain’s top two divisions owe some 750 million euros to the tax authorities plus another 600 million to the social security system, a situation that has provoked outrage at a time when ordinary people are struggling with shrinking incomes and rising costs and the jobless lines are lengthening.

“It’s immoral given Spain’s economic situation that the government does not force the clubs to settle these debts,” Llopis at IESE said.

“But no politician would dare as it would mean the end of Spanish football, the opiate of the people. Only Real and Barca, by selling real estate and players, would survive.”

Despite the apparently bleak outlook, Barajas said he hoped new UEFA Financial Fair Play rules designed to stop clubs spending more than they earned, coupled with similar regulations being introduced in Spain, would eventually bear fruit.

“Hopefully clubs will rein in spending and rely more on developing talent in their youth academies,” he said. “But it’s high time we dispensed with the good intentions and the empty gestures and finally took some concrete action.”—Reuters

Lochte masters Phelps

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

Casillas eyes 100th win in Portugal semi

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Racism overshadows semi-final preparations

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WIMBLEDON: Britain’s Andy Murray stretches to reach the ball during his first round men’s singles victory over Russia’s Nikolay Davydenko on the second day of the 2012 Wimbledon Championships tennis tournament.—AFP

Nadal, Murray win as Aussies slump LONDON: Two-time winner Rafael Nadal and British hope Andy Murray reached the Wimbledon second round yesterday, but Australia’s men slumped to their country’s worst performance since 1938.

Nadal, fresh from a record-breaking seventh French Open win, enjoyed a 7-6 (7/0), 6-2, 6-3 victory over Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci despite having trailed 4-0 in the first set.

“It’s always tough to make the change from clay to grass, especially when over the last couple of months I played almost every match on tour.

Physically you start having some troubles,” admitted Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion.

“I’m very happy to be back on probably the best court in the world and winning in three sets is good for me.”

Fourth seed Murray, a semi-finalist for the last

three years, had the last laugh as he silenced Nikolay Davydenko’s taunts with an easy 6-1, 6-1 64 win.

The Russian had claimed players laughed at the Briton, believing he regularly exaggerates his injuries. “I’m desperate to get the tournament going because there’s a lot of talk from a lot of people,” said Murray.

Serena Williams, the 2002, 2003, 2009 and 2010 champion, reached the second round with a 6-2, 64 win over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic.

The American sixth seed triumphed on the same Court Two where sister Venus had on Monday suffered her first opening round loss at Wimbledon since 1997. “It always has some sort of an effect,” said Serena of her sister’s loss. “I always want to play even better if she’s out of the tourna-

ment.” Defending champion Petra Kvitova overcame early nerves to progress 6-4, 6-4 against Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan, but the 22year-old Czech fourth seed did it the hard way, having trailed 3-0 and 4-1 in the first set. World number two Victoria Azarenka eased through, seeing off America’s Irina Falconi 6-1, 6-4.

Lleyton Hewitt’s 10th anniversary party of his 2002 title was gate crashed by French fifth seed JoWilfried Tsonga who cruised to a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win, handing the Australian his earliest exit at the All England Club since 2003.

His loss also meant that there will be no Australian man in the second round for the first time since 1938 after compatriots Bernard Tomic, a quarter-finalist last year and seeded 20, Matthew Ebdon and Marinko Matosevic were also beaten.

It is a depressing statistic for a country which

Greene: Bolt dangerous but not in 2008 shape EUGENE: Maurice Greene, the 2000 Olympic 100-meter champion, sees Usain Bolt as “dangerous” but not as fit as in 2008 and said yesterday he expects a dramatic 100-meter final at the London Olympics.

Two days after 2004 Olympic champion Justin Gatlin and 2007 world champion Tyson Gay booked 100m berths at London for an expected showdown with reigning Olympic champion Bolt, Greene sized up the men who followed in his footsteps.

“The race in London is going to be a lot closer than a lot of people think,” Greene said. “It’s going to be a really exciting race.”

Speaking on a rest day at the site of the US Olympic Track and Field Trials, Greene, who turns 38 next month, said he does not see Bolt lowering his world record of 9.58 seconds from Berlin in 2009. “I’m going to tell you right now, he can’t do that,” Greene said.

Greene, a US sprint legend whose nickname was the “Kansas Comet”, is proof that an Olympic can match his time from four years earlier, however. Greene won gold at Sydney in 9.87 and took bronze in 2004 at Athens in the same time. “He has done it before so you have to prepare accordingly,” Greene warned Olympic sprinters. “If you want the gold, you have to be prepared to go to that area.”

Bolt will not lack for motivation at London simply because he already won Olympic gold, and in overwhelming fashion, at Beijing, according to Greene.

Greene cited Bolt’s false start disqualification in last year’s 100m world final as enough inspiration to make him a foe to fear in the London final. “Usain is talking about his legacy,” Greene said. “He wants to prove he should have won when he was knocked out. I don’t think he would have won. I know when someone has something to prove, he is dangerous.”

Bolt, 25, faces the Jamaican Olympic trials next weekend at Kingston but the 2008 Olympic 100 and 200 champion and reigning world 200 champion lacks the sizzle that saw him win 100 gold at Beijing in 9.69. “I look at people. I analyze their races. He hasn’t shown to me to be in that type of shape that he was in 2008,” Greene said.

“If he is in that kind of shape he’s going to win. I don’t think he’s in that kind of shape. He’s having problems from zero to 65 (meters). From there to the finish, that’s just him. You have to be with him at 70.” Bolt owns the fastest times in the world this year, 9.76 to win in Rome last month and 9.79 to win at Oslo earlier this month. Gatlin, 30, is next at a career-best 9.80 from his victory Sunday at the US trials. Then come Jamaicans Yohan Blake at 9.84 and Asafa Powell at 9.85 with Gay’s runner-up trials time of 9.86 next, level with Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman.

Greene, who held the world record at 9.79, does not favor the chances of either US runner against Bolt, but he notes Gay is coming off right hip surgery last year that allowed him to return only this month after nearly a year off.

“I think it’s equal,” Greene said. “Tyson has run faster than Justin but he’s still coming off that surgery. His biggest thing is to get healthier. I don’t think he’s 100 percent.

“I don’t think if you are going into a gunfight that you go in there with four bullets when everybody else has got nine. You’re going to need those extra bullets.”

Gay, whose personal best was 9.69 in 2009 at Shanghai, has had fewer races to tax his body, which could help in London.

“He stopped some of that wear and tear on his body. It’s probably a good thing,” Greene said. “It’s a difficult task for him. It remains to be seen if he can do it.”—AFP

has won 21 Wimbledon men’s titles. The injuryplagued Hewitt, 31, whose ranking has plummeted to 202 after undergoing radical surgery to cut bone out of his big toe, refused to entertain any notion that the problems of Australian tennis mirrored a decline in the country’s sporting prowess in general. “I reckon we’ll go all right at the Olympics,” he said. American hopes, which were so badly bruised by the opening day exits of five-time champion Venus and big-serving John Isner, were earlier boosted by Mardy Fish and Bryan Baker.

Fish made a winning return to tennis in his first match following an operation to address a frightening heart scare.

The world number 12 beat Spain’s Ruben Ramirez-Hidalgo 7-6 (7/3), 7-5 7-6 (7/1), but later felt unwell and pulled out of a mandatory postmatch press conference.

Baker, who lost six years of his career to an assortment of injuries and underwent five operations, clinched a first ever win at Wimbledon, beating Portugal’s Rui Machado 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, 6-0.

The 27-year-old reached the second round of the French Open last month in what was his first Grand Slam appearance since the 2005 US Open.

And his good run continued at the All England Club where he came through three rounds of qualifying to make the main draw.

“I’d be lying if I sat here and said that I expected all this to happen right now when I was going through all those surgeries,” said Baker.

“But I never gave up the hope that I would be able to come back.” Juan Martin Del Potro, the ninth seeded Argentine and 2009 US Open winner, also went through, beating Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.—AFP

Mirza regrets ‘dirty’ Indian Olympics row

Reigning Olympic champion Usain Bolt

LONDON: Sania Mirza branded India’s Olympic tennis furore “mucky and dirty” but said doubles partners had to be friends first and foremost.

The Indian star had her place in the Olympic doubles confirmed yesterday, shortly after she kicked off her Wimbledon campaign with a win.

But in the men’s doubles, India’s top player Leander Paes, the world number seven, was paired with 209th-ranked Vishnu Vardhan, after Rohan Bopanna (13) and Mahesh Bhupathi (15) both said they would not play with him for a string of personal and professional reasons. Bhupathi said Paes was not trustworthy and the row even drew in India’s foreign affairs and sports ministers. “It’s not a nice situation,” Mirza told AFP. “Obviously it wasn’t the ideal situation you want before an Olympics. “I’m just happy that it’s kind of settled. Most people are getting what they want. It was a tricky situation but they handled it somehow. “It’s not the kind of publicity you want for any sport,” she added.

“It got really mucky and dirty with everyone saying all kinds of things.

“Having said that, I think people should realise that tennis players have emotions too and there’s certain kinds of emotions that cannot be hidden all the time. “People do forget that being celebrities, we are also normal human beings with likes and dislikes towards people.”

Mirza is playing once again with American extrovert Bethanie MattekSands at Wimbledon and stressed the importance of friendship in doubles pairings. “It’s really important for part-

ners to be friends first, I think that really helps,” the 25-year-old said. “When you have tight situations, the chemistry and the friendship gets you through.

Even if you lose some matches, you’ll win more than you lose.

“You know that your partner’s always there for you regardless of whether you have good days or bad days and when you’re friends, it’s easier to deal with certain things. “If you don’t get along off the court... I think sometimes it does cause certain issues.”

Mattek-Sands is known for her wacky dress sense, wearing knee-high socks, face paint and lurid outfits but the American has not convinced her doubles partner to follow suit.

“At the US Open I wore leopard print and everyone asked if she was going to and-no!”, the American said.

Mirza, a Muslim, added: “I’m more traditional in my dressing on court and she’s not at all! It’s funny because in some things we’re completely opposite but we’re so similar as people.”

The 13th seeds beat Russia’s Alla Kudryavtseva and Sloane Stephens of the United States 6-4, 6-2 yesterday.

Mirza will contest the Wimbledon mixed doubles with Bhupathi.

At the London 2012 Games in July and August she will also compete in the mixed doubles, and is paired in the ladies’ doubles with regular Fed Cup partner Rushmi Chakravarthi.

“I’m really happy to know that I’m going to the Olympics and will come back to Wimbledon,” said Mirza, who is playing mixed doubles at Wimbledon with Bhupathi.—AFP

India rupee down despite likely bank intervention Page 22

Pessimistic UK central bank sees outlook worsening Page 25

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

McLaren Automotive celebrates its first anniversary Page 26

US home prices up, but consumers less confident Page 23

MADRID: New governor of the Bank of Spain Luis Maria Linde speaks during handover ceremony at the Bank of Spain in Madrid yesterday. Spain has made a formal request for a loan to help clean up its troubled banking sector however, the country has yet to specify how much of the euros100 billion ($125.39 billion) loan package offered by the 17 countries that use the euro it will ask for. —AP

Euro-zone integration drive picks up Moody’s downgrades 28 Spanish banks PARIS: Top euro-zone finance ministers met in Paris yesterday in a lastminute effort to ensure that a summit this week launches the EU on far deeper integration and stops debt contagion from engulfing Spain.

Expectations are high and tension is growing ahead of the Brussels summit tomorrow, with financial markets wary the outcome might again be disappointing in terms of credibility.

French Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said the high-stakes gathering in Brussels would not be “banal” and would tackle real issues including concrete proposals for deep EU-wide reform to solve the debt crisis once and for all. To do so, the European Union’s top officials want to give EU authorities more power over euro-zone national budgets, and to establish central banking supervision across the single market, a top level report said.

A report drawn up by EU and eurozone leaders Herman Van Rompuy, Jose Manuel Barroso, Jean-Claude Juncker and Mario Draghi proposes to move “over the next decade” towards greater centralised power for the

“financial sector, for budgetary matters and for economic policy.”

In the report, EU president Van Rompuy said: “ The euro-area level would be in a position to require changes to (national) budgetary envelopes if they are in violation of fiscal rules.” EU Commission president Barroso said in a speech that the dramatic shift being considered “should start with steps that can be taken immediately without a treaty change” such as banking union.

He said: “These would lead to longer term steps that may require such changes.” Euro-zone nations meanwhile seemed to be preparing the political ground at home for some sort of deal which would require giving up more powers. French junior budget minister Jerome Cahuzac told BFM TV that Paris, like Berlin, Rome and Madrid, would concede sovereignty over the national budget.

“This is what we are talking about, budget solidarity in Europe which implies that not only that the French budget, but also the German, Italian and Spanish budgets be subjected to a

GCC needs steps to ward off crisis, says KFH report KUWAIT: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies need to take a package of comprehensive financial, monetary and economic precautionary measures to avoid the grave impacts of the worsening sovereign debts crisis in the euro-zone region, a special economic report warned yesterday.

The repor t, by Kuwait Finance House (KFH), said that euro-zone crisis could have repercussions on commercial, financial and investment sectors in the six Arab Gulf states. As for the commercial sector, the report, expected a decline on the demand for oil and consequently a drop in oil revenues which represent the backbone of GCC budgets. It also warned crisis would curb the influx of direct foreign investments into the region.

KFH, however, ruled out the possibility of huge impact on the banking sector in the GCC states due to the euro-zone crisis. The report underlined that GCC states should take several measures to address these serious challenges. To achieve this goal, GCC states have to diversify economies, expand investments in local and Arab markets and ameliorating industrial sector. —KUNA

review by all our partners,” Cahuzac said. Spanish finance minister Luis de Guindos, who as was due to attend the meeting in Paris later with his counterparts from France, Germany and Italy, reiterated his call for tighter fiscal union in Europe. “ The more euro and the more Europe there is, the better it will be for our country,” he said.

Athens took a step forward meanwhile, naming former banker Yannis Stournaras as the country ’s new finance minister after his predecessor stepped down unexpectedly due to health concerns. The 17-nation eurozone is struggling to convince markets it can get to grips with spreading crises.

On sovereign debt markets, Spain and Italy had to pay sharply increased rates at bond auctions as investors demand higher prices for the risks involved. The latest blows to investor sentiment was a downgrading of 28 Spanish banks, hours after Madrid officially requested help for its lenders, and a rescue call from euro-zone member Cyprus, the fifth nation in the cur-

rency bloc to ask for a bailout.

Gekko Global Markets senior trader Anita Paluch said investors wanted “firm decisions supporting a long-term vision of a strategy that will work and stop this festival of powerlessness we have seen in the past two years.” Eurozone credibility depends on cooperation by its two biggest members, Germany which wants financial discipline and France which wants the emphasis on measures for growth.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel was expected in Paris today for final consultations with French President Francois Hollande before the EU summit. While neither has sought to mask key differences of opinion, both are aware that a failure to compromise could open a dangerous new chapter in the euro-zone crisis. At Barclays Capital, senior European economist Julian Callow commented: “It appears likely that there will be some high level agreement on at least some aspects of the draft plan for greater fiscal integration, while also moving more quickly towards establishing a ‘banking union’ at the euro area level.” — AFP

Iranian tanker firm delays expansion as curbs hurt LONDON/HONG KONG: Iran’s top commercial tanker operator NITC has delayed the expansion of its oil fleet, company and industry sources said, as Western sanctions on the OPEC member’s crude exports and a weak freight market hurt its ability to turn a profit. The delivery setback deprives the Islamic Republic of much-needed capacity to store oil on vessels at a time when Asian customers have slashed purchases by about a fifth from last year’s 1.45 million barrels per day (bpd) in preparation for new European Union sanctions against Tehran.

Iran-based shipping sources said in April that Iran had been forced to deploy more than half of its national tanker fleet to store oil at anchorage. That proportion has since increased, trade sources say.

“It just means they (Iran) don’t have much more room for manoeuver pretty much going forward. There is not much additional storage on or offshore,” said Samuel Ciszuk, a consultant at KBC Energy Economics. The United States and Europe have targeted Iran’s oil trade to pressure Tehran to halt its disputed nuclear program.

Washington will impose sanctions this week on financial institutions dealing with Iran’s central bank, while Brussels will place an oil embargo on the country’s oil trade. The EU’s measures also prohibit European insurers, which provide cover for nearly all of the world’s tanker fleet, from doing business with ships carrying Iranian crude.

Iranian tankers will be the main transporters of Iran’s crude to its two top importers, China and India, once the sanctions come into effect on Sunday. A senior NITC official told Reuters the firm has yet to take delivery of a 318,000 deadweight ton tanker named “Safe”, the first of 12 new supertankers the firm will manage under a $1.2 billion contract with Chinese shipyards. Delivery was initially scheduled for May. “Delivery has been delayed because of the market. The market is not attractive for any ship owner,” the

NITC official said. The Baltic Exchange’s Dirty Tanker index fell to a 17-month low of 660 points on Monday, down nearly 30 percent in the last six months and hit by a glut of and slowing global oil demand growth, which has battered bottom lines. Industry officials said the delay in delivery of the vessel was also due to Western sanctions, which have made it difficult for Iran to sell its crude.

“With their (Iran’s) export capacity being reduced, they (NITC) probably do not want to take delivery of them right now because they may find it difficult to trade them and for people to accept their cargoes and get the vessels insured,” said a senior ship industry official.

“They (NITC) might also have financing problems to pay for the delivery instalments.” NITC has settled loans owed to French bank BNP Paribas this year, which industry sources said was close to $1 billion. It was not clear when NITC will take the tanker, capable of carrying 2 million barrels of crude, nor whether delivery of the other vessels will also be delayed. Another seven very large crude carriers (VLCCs) are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year from two Chinese shipyards, and the remaining four are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2013. A senior official at China CSSC Holding’s Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co Ltd, which has finished constructing NITC’s new supertanker, said yesterday he was unaware of the delays.

The National Iranian Tanker company, now known as NITC, lost its ship insurance cover from European providers last year due to earlier sanctions. It secured alternative cover mainly in Asia and also in Iran from privately owned Kish P&I and has said it has $1 billion in cover to keep its existing 39-strong tanker fleet on the water. Iranian oil exports this month have dropped to between 1.2 million and 1.3 million bpd, a decline of as much as 1 million bpd from last year, as customers in Asia and Europe stop or scale back purchases, industry sources say. —Reuters

Kuwait snaps decline after Cabinet resigns; Gulf mixed MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Kuwait’s stock market snapped a five-session losing streak after the Cabinet resigned, and Saudi Arabia’s market made some marginal gains as oil prices recovered, but most other Gulf markets slipped yesterday.

Egypt’s bourse continued to rally after the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi was named as the country’s first freely elected president on Sunday. The index added nearly 3 percent after surging 7 percent on Monday.

In Kuwait, some parliamentarians believe the government’s resignation could be a first step out of the latest crisis that has stalled legislation and blocked reforms in the major oil producer.

In response, Kuwait’s index rose 0.6 percent yesterday, recovering from the previous session’s five-month low. “If the parliament is void and the cabinet resigns, the market reacts positively because all the regulations are suspended,” said Talal Hunaif, senior investment analyst at Coast Investment and Development Company.

“The private sector benefits because there are no more delays from the parliament analyzing potential contracts between the companies and ministries.” In Saudi Arabia, shares made a late-session recovery after losing gains from early trade as investors picked up bargains.

The index ended 0.2 percent higher, snapping a three-day losing streak, but is bound within a tight range since early June.Petrochemical stocks provided the main support to the market, with the sector’s index adding 0.7 percent.

Investor sentiment however remains tied to international markets as concerns of a slowdown in global demand growth and Europe’s spiralling debt crisis take centre stage.

Oil climbed towards $92 per barrel yesterday and European shares made a fragile recovery despite doubts that EU leaders can agree to any effective action on the euro crisis at a summit later this week.

“There does not appear to be any major trigger for our market,” said Muhammad Faisal Potrik, research analyst at Riyad Capital. “Plus we are in the summer season so the market will probably remain range-bound and turnover will also be low.”

Elsewhere, Qatar ended at its lowest level since Oct. 5 and markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) slipped as investors continued to reduce positions ahead of the traditionally slow summer months.

Doha’s index dipped 0.4 percent, down 2.6 percent so far in June.

Qatar expects its economic growth will slow to 4.5 percent in 2013, the weakest rate in a decade, but the tiny Gulf Arab state plans to continue heavy investment in its non-hydrocarbon sector.

“The economic growth outlook is in line with expectations, it doesn’t change any of the government spending plans,” said Ahmed Shehada, head of trading at QNB Financial Services. “Until the moratorium on gas (liquefied natural gas) production capacity is lifted in 2015, I don’t expect much of a move.”

In the UAE, Dubai’s index shed 0.1 percent to close at 1,455 points, its fifth straight loss. Bellwether Emaar Properties and Dubai Financial Market lost over 1 percent each. Local markets are closing in on secondquarter earnings but limited buying activity suggests expectations are low.

“There is some accumulation on stocks like Emaar, Aldar and Sorouh, but there isn’t much optimism in the market for Q2 earnings,” said Amjad Bakir, head of MENA Corp Securities.

Abu Dhabi’s Aldar Properties and Sorouh Real Estate dropped 0.9 and 1 percent respectively, weighing on the index which slipped 0.2 percent. —Reuters

22

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

BUSINESS

India rupee down despite likely bank intervention Analysts see no near-term revival MUMBAI: India’s rupee traded mostly down against the dollar yesterday, at near record lows, even as the country’s central bank was likely to have intervened to prop up the ailing currency, analysts said.

The partially-convertible rupee fell to a day’s low of 57.2 to the dollar, leading to a suspected intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by selling dollars. The local currency clawed back to 56.95 but analysts do not expect a near-term revival for the rupee, which has lost more than a quarter of its value in the past 12 months and is currently Asia’s

worst-performing currency.

The rupee hit a new record low of 57.32 to the dollar last week. “There was a small (RBI) intervention in the markets. They are also trying policy measures but these are not strong enough,” said Abhishek Goenka, chief economist with India Forex, a consultancy firm.

The RBI has a policy of not commenting on movements of the forex market and has a stated policy of intervening only to curb volatility. Analysts are disappointed with several measures which the RBI announced a day earlier to boost the rupee-including raising

New Egypt president has tight window on economy CAIRO: Egypt’s new president has a window of opportunity to pull the economy from the brink of disaster, but he will have to chart a careful path to convince a host of deeply skeptical players at home and abroad that his is a government they can trust.

After winning the country’s first freely contested election for head of state, the Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Mursi, 60, brings with him strongly free-market policies that would delight investors were it not for Egypt’s daunting economic challenges and fraught politics.

He also brings a detailed economic plan meticulously drawn up over the course of a year, supported by the Brotherhood’s well organized political machine.

However, to spur growth and win over investors to trust Egypt for the long term, Mursi will have to restore stability to a country rocked by sometimes violent political turmoil in the 16 months since an uprising forced Hosni Mubarak from power. To do this, he will have to build up a working relationship with generals who stripped the presidency of many of its powers in the week before the result of the presidential election was announced on Sunday.

He also faces the prospect of a new constitution to replace the current interim constitution which is vague on the full extent of presidential powers.

But analysts say the popular mandate handed to Mursi in the election makes it harder for political opponents to obstruct reforms he initiates.“There is definitely a window of opportunity. I think there is goodwill out there because of the nature of the result, because it was a clear result,” said one Western diplomat.

“If we get a cabinet that is broad based and brings in good economic expertise as well as people who have credibility outside Egypt, then ... it’s probably quite good news in the short term,” the diplomat said.

Egypt’s uprising hammered the economy by chasing away tourists and foreign investors and prompting government employees to strike for higher wages. The economy contracted by 4.3

the limit on foreign investment in government bonds-which have failed to boost market sentiment.

Concerns over the euro-zone debt crisis persist and several domestic problems, including India’s widening trade and current account deficits, and declining foreign fund inflows are keeping the rupee depressed, analysts said. There has also been pressure from oil importers, who exchange rupees for dollars when they buy crude for energy-scarce India, which imports four-fifths of its crude oil needs. — AFP

IMF ‘ready to support Egypt’ under new rule

percent in the first quarter of 2011 and stagnated in the following three quarters.

The Brotherhood’s economic plan relies on private Egyptian and foreign investors and the group has pledged to move fast to negotiate a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) once it forms a government. “We trust Egypt but, with no security, investors will flee.

Change is very hard and bumpy,” said Adnan Ahmed Yousef, president of the Union of Arab Banks and chief executive of Bahrain-based Albaraka Banking Group. An army-backed interim government kept the economy on the rails since Mubarak’s overthrow through a series of short-term measures that have brought the country dangerously close to fiscal collapse.

These include financing a burgeoning budget deficit by selling domestic treasury bills and bonds at steadily rising interest rates and shortening maturities.

The pile of local currency debt has built up to well over 600 billion Egyptian pounds ($99 billion) from about 500 billion pounds just before the uprising.

The borrowing has stretched the lending ability of local banks, causing the average yield on 1-year T-bills to surge to almost 16 percent, its highest in more than a decade, from 10.4 percent in January 2011. The interim government borrowed an additional $6 billion in Tbills denominated in US dollars that the new government, strapped for foreign currency, will have to repay or roll over when the first begin maturing in November.

The interim government has also drawn down foreign reserves by more than half, to about $15.5 billion, to support the currency, partly out of fear that an increase in the cost of imported goods would fuel inflation and political discontent. The dangerously low level of reserves has left the country with less than three months of import coverage.

Brotherhood officials have said that once a new government is in place they plan to pick up from the previous government’s stop-start negotiations for a $3.2 billion IMF loan. — Reuters

NICOSIA: People withdraw money from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) of Laiki (Popular) bank in the Cypriot capital Nicosia on Monday. Cyprus’ central bank said it backed the government’s move to request a bailout from the EU as it would protect its Greek-exposed banking sector from further contagion. — AFP

Sudan vows no turning back on fuel subsidy

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund said yesterday it is ready to help Egypt to restart growth and deal with other economic challenges after the country chose a new president. “The election of a new president is an important step forward in Egypt’s transition,” a spokesman for the global crisis lender said in a statement.

“Egypt faces significant immediate economic challenges, especially the need to restart growth and address the fiscal and external imbalances. The IMF stands ready to support Egypt in dealing with these challenges and looks forward to working closely with the authorities.” The statement came as Mohamed Morsi was poised to become Egypt’s first civilian president after being declared winner of the national election on Sunday.

Since late last year the IMF has been discussing with the country’s interim leadership a possible $3.2 billion loan with Cairo to help it bridge fiscal shortfalls while restructuring the economy and financial system. But a permanent government needed to be in place to firm up the loan program, and the IMF stressed in April that it needed “a broad buy-in” from various constituencies in the country to the program, which will require significant structural reforms. President-elect Morsi was yesterday drawing up a battle plan to confront Egypt’s economic and security crises, moving first to select a government of technocrats, according to an aide. — AFP

GS, Saipem win Saudi petrochemical deals SEOUL/KHOBAR: South Korean group GS Engineering & Construction and Italy’s Saipem have won deals to expand a petrochemical complex in Saudi Arabia for oil giant Saudi Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical. A Sumitomo spokeswoman confirmed yesterday that the partners had picked Saipem and GS to work on the Rabigh II project on the Red Sea coast of the world’s largest oil exporter.

GS said that its contract was worth $1.8 billion, while industry sources in Saudi Arabia said that Saipem’s deal was worth about $700 million.

Other deals involving Britain’s Petrofac and Japan’s JGC are close to being signed, sources said, but the Sumitomo spokeswoman declined to comment on contracts yet to be announced. The Rabigh II project is part of Aramco’s plans to diversify its business from crude oil into chemicals, unconventional gas and renewables. Operations are planned to start in the first half of 2016. —Reuters

KHARTOUM: There will be no turning back on Sudan’s policy of phasing out fuel subsidies, the finance minister said on Monday, despite public outrage over high prices in the bankrupt nation.

Anti-regime demonstrations have spread since June 18 when President Omar Al-Bashir announced austerity measures including tax hikes and an end to cheap fuel. Protesters in the eastern town of Gedaref on Monday partly damaged the local office of the ruling National Congress Party, witnesses there said.

“We will not retreat from our policy to remove the subsidy, whatever happens,” Finance Minister Ali Mahmud AlRasul told a news conference. “If the price of oil goes higher in the international market, we will increase it in Sudan.”

The cost of petrol at the pump has roughly doubled since last week under the new policy, adding to an inflation rate which has risen every month and hit 30.4 percent in May. Sudan has lost billions of dollars in oil receipts since South Sudan gained independence last July, taking with it about 75 percent of Sudanese crude production.

The north has been left struggling for revenue, plagued by inflation, and with a severe shortage of dollars to pay for imports. The landlocked South depended on the north’s pipeline and port to export its crude, but Khartoum and Juba could not agree on how much South Sudan should pay to use the infrastructure.

Rasul said in May that the lost pipeline fees amounted to 6.5 billion Sudanese pounds ($1.48 billion).

Sudan’s already depleted oil revenues shrank by a further 20 percent after its main Heglig oil field was damaged and shut down in fighting with invading South Sudanese troops in April, an

international economist has estimated. Even before the easing of fuel subsidies, the cost of basic consumer goods had doubled over the past year.

Demonstrations against high prices and Bashir’s 23-year regime continued for a 10th day on Monday, witnesses said. In Gedaref, part of the eastern region where poverty is endemic, about 200 people protesting at the local market were dispersed by riot police firing tear gas and wielding batons, they said. Protesters later regrouped and set a fire inside the ruling party’s office near the market, they added.

“I saw some documents and furniture and a part of the building... burned,” one resident told AFP. Demonstrators also stoned the car of the local government head, witnesses said, adding the official was not hurt.

About 100 people emerged from the headquarters of a main opposition party, Popular Congress, in Khartoum on Monday night, burnt tyres and shouted for the overthrow of the regime in what has become a familiar ritual for Sudan’s demonstrators.

Police responded with tear gas, which is also routine. The protests over rising prices started with students outside the University of Khartoum on June 16.

But they later broadened to include a cross-section of the population in numerous locations throughout the capital, as well as in several other parts of the country. Bashir, an army officer who seized power on June 30, 1989, called the protests small-scale and not comparable to the “Arab Spring” uprisings against regional strongmen over the past year. But a demonstrator told AFP the current unrest is unprecedented. “Right now, this is first time since 1989 we have these protests in most cities,” he said, asking not to be identified by name. —AFP

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2740000 .4350000 .3480000 .2890000 .2700000 .2790000 .0040000 .0020000 .0759320 .7397840 .3830000 .0710000 .7252260 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2789500 GB Pound/KD .4361380 Euro .3485060 Swiss francs .2901800 Canadian dollars .2719080 Danish Kroner .0468820 Swedish Kroner .0395180 Australian dlr .2803590 Hong Kong dlr .0359490 Singapore dlr .2179300 Japanese yen .0035160 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0759770 Bahraini dinars .7402150 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0744070 Omani riyals .7248280 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

3.553 5.072 3.053 2.141 3.173 220.090 36.173 3.425 6.439 8.876 89.338

.2830000 .4400000 .3560000 .3010000 .2800000 .2880000 .0070000 .0035000 .0766950 .7472190 .4010000 .0770000 .7325140 .0072000 .0500000 .2825500 .4417670 .3530040 .2939250 .2754170 .0474870 .0400280 .2839770 .0364130 .2207420 .0035610 .0049860 .0021240 .0030030 .0034650 .0769580 .7497680 .3996460 .0753670 .7341820 .0067060

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 74.883 77.158 729.380 745.850 76.464

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.250 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.466 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.309 Tunisian Dinar 176.65 Jordanian Dinar 396.190 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.884 Syrian Lier 4.899 Morocco Dirham 32.64 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 280.700 Euro 354.52 Sterling Pound 441.820 Canadian dollar 274.79 Turkish lire 152.400 Swiss Franc 295.01 US Dollar Buying 279.500 GOLD 293.000 148.000 75.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

SELL CASH

285.800 745.580 3.660 277.300 550.600 45.700 48.400 167.800 48.040 356.500 36.830 5.200 0.032 0.160 0.235 3.650 397.300 0.190 91.680 44.300 4.310 225.400 1.816

48.200 728.220 3.130 6.820 77.550 74.850 221.380 36.210 2.671 440.700 41.100 296.900 4.300 9.240 198.263 76.440 280.700 1.350

10 Tola

GOLD 1,655.410

Sterling Pound US Dollar

728.040 2.980 6.610 77.120 74.850 221.380 36.210 2.110 438.700 296.400 4.300 9.020 76.340 280.300

COUNTRY

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 438.700 280.300

SELL DRAFT

284.300 746.580 3.425 275.800

221.400 46.310 355.000 36.680 5.930 0.030

SELL DRAFT

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

283.26 277.39 298.34 355.83 280.25 438.67 3.61 3.428 5.027 2.127 3.155 2.978 76.37 746.22 46.37 399.27 729.38 77.39 74.94

SELL CASH

283.00 277.00 295.00 356.00 281.50 438.00 3.65 3.550 5.200 2.400 3.700 3.200 77.00 746.00 47.75 397.50 732.50 77.75 75.25

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 397.200 0.189 91.680 3.100 223.900

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

280.000 278.235 441.295 355.410

Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

295.990 741.285 76.210 76.855 74.625 394.140 46.352 2.110 5.011 2.987 3.422 6.640 686.835 4.545 8.980 5.895 3.220 88.355

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

280.000 2.980 5.019 2.115 3.419 6.685 76.335 74.820 744.400 46.272 448.800 2.990 1.550 360.600 280.500 3.190

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

280.750 354.250 440.400 275.050 3.575 4.925 46.375 2.107 3.420 6.605 2.975 747.000 76.450 74.950

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

BUSINESS

US home prices rise, but consumers less confident Consumer confidence falls in June for 4th month

BARCELONA: The President of the CaixaBank, Isidre Faine speaks yesterday during the Extraordinary General Shareholders’ Meeting in Barcelona. CaixaBank is merging with Banca Civica. — AFP

High-income Americans should pay more taxes: OECD WASHINGTON: An international group of economists is recommending that the United States adopt policies that would make higher-income Americans pay more in taxes to help boost the US economy.

The Organization for Economic CoOperation and Development favors eliminating some tax breaks for high-income individuals on mortgage interest and health insurance. It also proposes reducing tax breaks corporations receive when they borrow to make investments.

Some of the ideas the group advocated in its latest survey have been championed by the Obama administration. The Parisbased group also endorsed job training proposals in the administration’s 2013 budget and praised its efforts to expand mortgage modification programs to combat foreclosures.

The OECD tends to advocate left-leaning economic policies. The endorsements are unlikely to sway Republicans in Congress who have opposed proposals the Obama administration has pushed.

The group is composed of 34 of the world’s leading industrialized nations. It was begun in 1948 as a European organization created to help administer the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. In 1961, it expanded to include leading industrialized countries around the

world. The organization’s goal is to promote economic practices that promote growth.

Twice a year the group publishes global growth forecasts. The most recent of those forecasts in May warned that the euro-zone region could contract by as much as 2 percent this year unless more forceful action was taken to deal with the European debt crisis.

The OECD predicts the US economy will grow 2.4 percent this year and 2.6 percent in 2013. While that’s only modest growth, it would represent improvement from last year’s 1.7 percent growth rate for the US. In yesterday’s report, the group’s economists made a number of broad recommendations aimed at improving US growth prospects and dealing with such issues as growing income inequality and long-term unemployment.

Among them: The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies should continue to support economic growth. Congress and the Obama administration should strike an agreement that would avoid a sharp jump in tax rates and across-the-board spending cuts. Those are scheduled to go into effect at the end of the year if a deal isn’t reached.

Various programs proposed by the administration’s budget request in February for dealing with the unemployed “should be implemented without delay.” — AP

HYDERABAD: An Indian farmer ploughs an agricultural field ahead of anticipated monsoon rains in Warangal, some 140 kilometers from Hyderabad, yesterday.

Indian agriculture gets 60 percent of its precipitation from the rains and a bad monsoon can spell financial disaster for the country’s 235 million farmers. While agriculture’s share of India’s economy has shrunk to 14 percent from 30 percent in the early 1990s, bountiful rains are still vital to national economic fortunes. — AFP

Fitch affirms Netherlands’ top ‘AAA’ credit rating THE HAGUE: Fitch upheld yesterday the Netherlands’ top ‘AAA’ credit rating, saying that despite the collapse of the government and fresh elections, the country has a credible deficit reduction plan in place.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s outgoing minority coalition government and three opposition parties hammered together an austerity agreement in April, shortly after his far-right ally walked out of talks, causing Rutte’s government to fall.

The agreement “has eased concerns that there would be a prolonged period without a credible plan to ensure that the budget deficit is brought below 3 percent of GDP consistent with stabilizing the government debt to GDP ratio,” said Fitch, adding the rating had a stable outlook.

Rutte and his ministers quit when failing to agree with far-right ally Geert Wilders on a plan to slash the budget to steer the eurozone’s fifth-largest economy back below the EU deficit ceiling of three percent, from last year’s 4.7 percent.

“Fiscal measures to put the budget back on track were taken quite quickly,” after the collapse, Fitch senior director Paul Rawkins told AFP, adding “that for us that is the point, there is a track record of fiscal discipline.” Rutte called new elections for September 12.

“When a new government is elected we will be waiting to see what their policies are, not only in the near term but also in relation to some challenges in the longer

term,” said Rawkins.

Fitch in its release added the stable rating outlook reflected its “assessment that the Netherlands ‘AAA’ status remains resilient to the euro-zone crisis.

This was “despite the recent increase in policy risks, a weaker fiscal adjustment and the additional government debt incurred by the Dutch government’s contribution to euro-zone rescue funds and ‘bail-out’ programs in 2011,” Fitch said.

“The Netherlands’ sovereign ratings are underpinned by its flexible, diversified, high-valued and competitive economy as well as current account surpluses and positive net international investment position,” Fitch added. It warned however that should the crisis in the euro-zone worsen, it could have a severe impact on the Netherlands’ “small, open economy and potentially bring downward pressure on the rating.”

Dutch analysts said yesterday they believed the agreement hammered out by Rutte’s People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy and its Christian Democratic partner, together with three other centrist parties showed political cooperation in the Netherlands remained strong when it came to fiscal matters.

The austerity package “is a credible package” and the Fitch rating showed the “Netherlands is being seen as a credible economy” in the euro-zone, added ING bank’s head of macro economics Maarten Leen. — AFP

NEW YORK: US home prices picked up in April for the third month in a row, the latest indication a recovery in the housing market is gaining traction. But in a sign of the struggles still facing the broader economy, separate data yesterday showed consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in five months in June as Americans’ view of the economy in the coming months soured.

The S&P/Case Shiller composite index of 20 metropolitan areas gained 0.7 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, topping economists’ expectations for a 0.4 percent gain.

Compared to a year ago, home prices fell 1.9 percent in the 20 cities, above expectations for a decline of 2.5 percent, and an improvement from the 2.6 percent annual decline seen in March. April’s gain made for the longest streak of consecutive monthly gains since prices were boosted by the homebuyer tax credit from mid2009 into early 2010.

“The housing recovery in this cycle has been painfully slow to develop, but it is unmistakably here,” said Chris Low, chief economist at FTN Financial in New York.

“This time, unlike 2010 when the first-time homebuyer tax credit lifted sales, it is happening with only limited help from the government.”

Recent data has pointed to a housing market that has finally hit bottom and is stabilizing, including a report on Monday that showed new home sales hit a two-year high in May. Still, the housing market has a long way to go before full recovery as it faces a large pipeline of foreclosures, tight credit restrictions and weak demand.

Even as the housing market is firming, the broader economy is struggling under the weight of a sluggish labor market and fears over the fallout of Europe’s debt crisis.

The Conference Board, an industry group, said its index of consumer attitudes fell to 62.0

News Corp mulls splitting into two SYDNEY: Australian stock in Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp jumped 2.41 percent yesterday after a report that the company may be split in half, separating its publishing assets from its bigger entertainment arm. Its Australian-listed shares closed 49 cents higher at Aus$20.79, having risen as high as Aus$21.00 on the Wall Street Journal report.

The Murdoch-owned newspaper said the split would carve off the film and television businesses, including 20th Century Fox movie studio, Fox broadcast network and Fox News channel from its newspapers and book publishing assets.

The company’s publishing assets include The Wall Street Journal, the Times of London and The Australian newspaper, as well as the HarperCollins book publishing house. Citing people familiar with the situation, the report said a final decision had yet to be made but Murdoch was warming to the idea. It said such a plan was not expected to change the Murdoch clan’s effective control of any of the businesses, exercised through the family’s roughly 40 percent voting stake in News Corp.

The possible restructuring follows the phonehacking scandal in Britain which resulted in the closure of its flagship News of the World tabloid and the resignation of several senior executives. In March company president Chase Carey, seen as Murdoch’s likely successor, acknowledged that some shareholders had talked to the company about spinning off the newspaper arm, but said it was “not a path we are pursuing”. “I think part of it is a general fad. Every time you have a (diversified) business, some in the investment community are looking to split it up,” he said in an interview with News Corp-owned newspaper The Australian.

“But our plan is to drive the business forward, and we have great and unique businesses and our focus is improving the profitability of those businesses.” Murdoch personally has remained a big fan of the newspaper business, having built his global empire from Australia’s Adelaide News in the 1950s. Last week his Australian arm, News Limited, announced a major restructure to streamline operations, merging its print and digital businesses with significant redundancies, though it did not specify the number.

It also made a US$2.0 billion takeover offer for rival Australian tycoon James Packer ’s Consolidated Media Holdings. If successful, News would emerge with 50 percent of Foxtel, the country’s biggest pay TV operator, and all of Fox Sports. Telecommunications giant Telstra holds the other half of Foxtel. News Corp last month reported a strong gain in quarterly profits, boosted by Hollywood entertainment and cable television operations in the United States, Asia and Latin America. The conglomerate said profits in the fiscal third quarter ended March 31 leapt 47 percent to US$937 million, as revenues rose two percent to US$8.4 billion.— AFP

Iraq to fine Asiacell, Korek for failing to list BAGHDAD: Iraq’s communications regulator has decided to fine mobile phone operator Asiacell $8,500 per day since September 1, 2011 for failing to list on the local stock exchange, a senior official at the body said yesterday.

Iraq’s three mobile phone companies are required to list on the stock exchange as part of their $1.25 billion operating licenses but all three missed the deadline of August 2011. Ahmed Alomary, commissioner of Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC), said the regulator had also decided to fine Korek, in which France Telecom and Kuwait’s Agility have stakes, $2,500 per day for not having launched an initial public offering.Asiacell is majority-owned by Qatar Telecom.

“The hearing committee made the decision six days ago. Today it was approved (by the CMC head) and it will be sent to the operators by tomorrow,” Alomary told Reuters. He said the committee had yet to make a decision on thethird mobile phone firm Zain Iraq, a unit of Kuwait’s Zain. Asiacell declined to comment while Korek was not immediately available to respond.

All three mobile phone operators have previously said they are working towards listing on the Iraq Stock Exchange. Iraq did not have a mobile phone market under Saddam Hussein and the sector has boomed since his fall from power in 2003, offering double-digit subscriber growth. It is the fastest growing industry in the war-battered country after oil. Alomary said the companies would be able to appeal the CMC’s decision. — Reuters

from a downwardly revised 64.4 in May, falling short of economists expectations. It was the lowest level since January. While consumers’ assessment of their current situation improved, they were less upbeat about their expectations for the next six months. Fewer respondents expected business conditions or employment would improve in the coming months.

The index is down nearly 10 points from the peak hit in February. Consumer spending-a major engine of economic growth during the housing boom-accounts for about 70 percent of US economic activity. “It does reinforce that confidence continues to wane, which does keep pressure on the recovery,” said Sean Incremona, economist at 4Cast Ltd in New York.

Financial markets saw little reaction to the data as investors had their attention on Europe after Spain’s short-term borrowing costs nearly tripled at auction. — Reuters

Hungary interest rate kept on hold at 7.0% BUDAPEST: Hungary’s central bank yesterday kept its main interest rate unchanged at 7.0 percent for the sixth month running, citing a high rate of inflation and uncertainty about the global economy. The monetary council “discussed two options: lowering by 25 basis points or keeping the rate on hold, but keeping it on hold won a convincing majority,” central bank head Andras Simor told a news conference in Budapest. The decision not to lower borrowing costs, a move that was in line with market expectations, was because of “risks from the international environment” and “high” inflation, expected to average 5.3 percent in 2012, Simor said.

Last year, rising inflation and a sharp depreciation of Hungary’s currency, the forint, prompted the central bank to increase rates sharply but they have been on hold since December 21, 2011.

The economy remains in trouble, however, with growth in Hungary contracting 1.2 percent in the first quarter, unemployment at 11.5 percent and the currency still weak despite a recent modest recovery.

Hungary is seeking a standby credit line of up to 20 billion euros ($24.9 billion) from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union, of which it is a member.

Talks have snagged on EU and IMF objections to a raft of new legislation from Prime Minister Viktor Orban that critics say is reducing the independence of key institutions including the judiciary, the media and the central bank. Legislation on the central bank, which had threatened to increase government control on the setting of interest rates, is however being adjusted, meaning it should no longer be a “hindrance” to the start of aid talks, Simor said yesterday. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola company, poses with a bottle of the company’s trademark beverage during a press conference in New Delhi yesterday. The Coca-Cola company announced that it will invest an additional $3 billion through 2020 to further capture growth opportunities in the country’s fastgrowing non-alcoholic beverage market. —AFP

Outspoken Greek professor gets euro-zone’s hardest job ATHENS: A tough-minded Greek economics professor stepped up yesterday to the hardest job in the euro-zone-finance minister of a nation in upheaval that appears constantly on the verge of bankruptcy.

The 55-year-old Yannis Stournaras is seen as close to the newly-elected conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras on economic policy and could bring some creative thinking as well as a good dose of frank talking to the post. “He is sincere and capable. An open mind committed to reforms,” said Theodoros Pelagidis, an economics professor at Pyraeus University.

“He is not going to be making any compromises,” he said. Stournaras will need all the energy he can muster to steer economic policy in a country in its fifth year of recession where unemployment is at record highs and where resentment against salary and pension cuts is at a boiling point. Last year Stournaras as then head of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research put forward a proposal for using Greece’s state property as collateral for new bonds to raise more than 100 billion euros ($125 billion).

If he presses ahead with the plan, the new minister however is likely to encounter considerable headwinds in a country where the longdelayed privatization process of state property is sensitive for nationalistic reasons. Greece is also headed for a showdown with its foreign creditors over its bid to drastically ease the terms of a bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund that is keeping the economy on life support.

Stournaras has called for a “partial renegotiation” of the bailout deal. Even though most analysts agree that Samaras’s victory in landmark June 17 elections eased fears of an immediate Greek euro exit, some say there is still a danger that financial pressures could eventually force it out of the group.

Stournaras has also lashed out at Greece’s critics in a series of interviews and articles since the debt crisis exploded here in 2009 with the release of some dire deficit data before spreading out across the euro-zone.

“Greece’s case is not that of Argentina,” he told the state-run Athens news agency ANA in an interview while he was development minis-

ter in the previous caretaker government in charge before last Sunday’s elections. In a joint article written with former prime minister Costas Simitis in Britain’s Guardian daily in April, Stournaras also said those accused of faking the books to join the euro were guilty of “ignorance” and “hypocrisy”.

The euro-zone “is not a club of advanced countries whose common interests are opposed to those of the countries that lag behind,” he wrote. “Since it is a joint plan for progress, its design should include both the powerful with their strengths, and the less powerful with their weaknesses.

“It must take into account the inequalities and the fact that the developed countries not only bear burdens but also obtain significant benefits,” he said in a thinly-veiled reference to the euro-zone’s chief paymaster Germany. On austerity, he said: “There is a widespread feeling that the conditions imposed were a punishment intended to teach other countries a lesson.”

Stournaras has been named but is expected to be sworn in only next week after Samaras, who underwent major eye surgery over the weekend, returns to work.

The current finance minister, George Zanias, will therefore be at the EU summit this week in a delegation led by President Carolos Papoulias.

Stournaras was appointed when the previous nominee, the chairman of Greece’s biggest bank Vassilis Rapanos, turned down the post due to health problems after being hospitalised just a day after being tapped for the post.

Greek newspapers reported that Rapanos, who was seen as close to the socialist Pasok party, a junior partner in the new coalition, also declined the nomination because of a major falling out with Samaras. Both Stournaras and Rapanos were high-placed officials in the finance ministry at the time that Greece joined the euro-zone.

Stournaras also worked at the public debt management office between 1998 and 2000 and was chairman of Emporiki Bank from 2000 to 2004 before it became part of the French banking group Credit Agricole. — AFP

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France boosts minimum wage as spending freeze bites Govt to raise more tax without hitting spending PARIS: France’s new government announced a cosmetic 2 percent increase in the minimum wage yesterday as it seeks to soften the blow from tax hikes and spending freezes to the struggling economy.

President Francois Hollande is pushing for Europe to refocus away from austerity towards measures to boost growth and is relying at home largely on planned tax increases to shrink the public deficit within a target of 4.5 percent of gross domestic product by the end of 2012. His five -week- old Socialist government will drop 1 billion euros ($1.25 billion) of planned spending this year, on top of a three-year spending freeze that kicks in in 2013, Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac said.

Eager to show that belttightening is not its sole concern, the government agreed to raise the minimum wage from July 1 by 2 percent, although the increase fell far short of union demands.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault told cabinet ministers

on Monday that overall spending at ministries and regional government depar tments would be frozen from 2013 for three years, excluding debt costs and pensions. Cahuzac said this year’s freeze would affect all departments except the education, justice and interior ministries. “A billion euros which should have been spent between now and the end of the year will be frozen,” he told BFM television.

French state spending for 2012 is expected to total around 360 billion euros, but the government is due to announce revisions to its budget bill next Wednesday to reflect flagging growth that is hitting revenues. The adjustments will follow a national audit office report on public finances expected to show the country struggling to meet a 2013 deficit goal of 3 percent of GDP. Hollande aims to compensate for the 60,000 public sector jobs he has promised to create over five years by not replacing all workers who

retire. His plans for Europe include channelling unused EU structural funds into investment and joint European infrastructure project bonds. The government has ruled out a broad austerity drive such as those under way in Italy and Spain on the grounds that it would hit the middle classes hardest and weigh heavily on consumer spending, the traditional engine of the French economy.

Consumer confidence was stable in June compared with May, bringing a recover y underway since December to a halt, figures from the Insee national statistics institute showed yesterday. The confidence measure remains far below its long-term average.

Labor Minister Michel Sapin said the 2 percent increase in the minimum wage would work out to 0.6 percent after taking into account inflation since the last increase in January. “We had to allow the most fragile workers on the minimum wage to benefit from this additional purchasing pow-

er,” Sapin told a news conference. Some 1.6 million workers, or nearly 10 percent full-time workers and 25 percent of those in part-time jobs, earn the minimum wage, which will be raised to 9.4 euros an hour.

The government is seeking a delicate balance between boosting workers’ purchasing power without discouraging companies from taking on staff at a time when unemployment is already at a 13-year high. Among the tax increases being prepared, Cahuzac said a new 3 percent tax on company dividends would be put in place in coming months and a tax-free threshold for money inherited from or gifted by relatives would be lowered. The government will also scrap a sales tax increase due to come into effect in October and a tax shield for the wealthy, which he said cost the state around 800 million euros in lost revenues in 2011. Daily Le Parisien reported that the tax shield had cost France around 3 billion euros since former conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy created it in 2007.— Reuters

Oil climbs above $92 as tension rises over Syria LONDON: Oil climbed above $92 per barrel yesterday as the prospect of a decline in US crude stockpiles and rising tension over Syria offset concern about a weakening economic outlook.

NATO member states condemned Syria yesterday for its shooting down of a Turkish military jet last week and Ankara warned Damascus against any further military moves.

Brent crude was up $1.15 at $92.16 a barrel by 1346 GMT after reaching a session high of $92.39. US crude rose 20 cents to $79.41. “The Turkey-Syria situation probably prompted some short covering. The market has been trending down solidly for a couple of weeks, so a bounce from the lows is not that surprising,” said Tony Machacek, an oil futures broker at Jefferies Bache.

Oil prices are expected to be underpinned by forecasts for a 700,000-barrel drop in US crude oil stockpiles last week and supply disruptions in Norway and Argentina due to labor strikes.

“But economically, everything still points to the downside,” said Machacek.

The American Petroleum Institute will release its latest weekly inventories report at 2030 GMT. The appetite for riskier assets is expected to stay low as the debt crisis grinds on in the euro-zone, where Cyprus became the fifth country to seek emergency funding for its troubled banks.

And a two-day European Union summit in Brussels later this week will be the 20th time leaders have met to sort out a crisis that has spread across Europe since it began in Greece in early 2010.

Investors doubt they will resolve the crisis this time.

Brent crude oil has shed more than 25 percent from its 2012 peak above $128 reached in March as economic uncertainty has dimmed the global demand outlook at a time of ample supplies. Higher output by OPEC, in particular Saudi Arabia, has also muted the impact of imminent sanctions on Iran oil exports.

EU governments on Monday formally approved an embargo on Iranian oil to start on July 1, dismissing calls by debtridden Greece for possible exemptions to help ease its economic crisis.

The impact of the EU sanctions is also being felt in Asia. South Korea, a major consumer of Iranian crude, has called a halt to imports from July 1 due to a European Union ban on insuring tankers carrying Iranian oil. The embargo comes as part of a series of measures designed to put pressure on Iran to halt what the United States and others say is a nuclear weapons program. Despite OPEC’s call to adhere to a production quota, top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is showing no sign of changing its policy of high output in order to support global economic growth. — Reuters

The 800-mile Trans-Alaska pipeline that feeds 950,000 barrels of oil a day to the West Coast snakes its way across the tundra north of Fairbanks, Alaska. The oil pipeline that stretches 800 miles across the Alaska landscape is celebrating a milestone. The trans-Alaska oil pipeline recently marked 35 years in production with more than 16.5 billion barrels of oil loaded into the pipeline at Prudhoe Bay for delivery to Valdez, where it is loaded into tankers destined for the West Coast. —AP

South Africa wakes up to neighbors as Europe struggles JOHANNESBURG: South Africa prides itself as a first world country in a third world continent, trading mostly overseas, but is starting to train its sights on its poor but fastgrowing African cousins as turmoil in Europe slashes exports to its traditional markets.

President Jacob Zuma’s government said this month it was looking to African oil producers such as Nigeria after bowing to Western pressure to cut imports from Iran historically its biggest supplier - in compliance with sanctions over Tehran’s nuclear program.

South Africa’s crude imports from Iran fell 43 percent to 286,072 tons in April from the previous month, while imports from Nigeria rose nearly five-fold to 615,834 tons in March against 127,376 tons in the same month last year. While trade with the rest of the continent has increased gradually in the past decade, Africa’s economic powerhouse still playing lags Asian giants China and India which have established firm footings in mining, construction and clothing. One reason is the legacy of apartheid, an era when South Africa’s white-minority government eschewed trade ties with Africa in favor of Europe. “We missed an opportunity to our own detriment,” said Dawie Roodt, chief economist at research house Efficient Group. “Only recently has business in South Africa become part of Africa.”

Besides Iran, the turmoil in Europe, South Africa’s biggest trading partner, is providing another lesson on the need to shift focus to more dynamic growth spots from the debt-ridden region where a 2008/09 slowdown triggered the first recession in South Africa in 18 years. This year, the impact of the euro crisis has manifested itself mostly in local financial markets, where the rand has been among the most volatile of emerging market currencies, hitting a three year low

of 8.71/dollar earlier this month.

But the damage is also filtering into the real economy. Sales to Europe - while still accounting for the bulk of exports - fell to 23 percent of total exports in April from nearly 28 percent a year ago, according to customs data. “We need to be prepared if there is either a serious downturn or stagnation,” Lionel October, director-general of the Trade and Industry Ministry, told a business forum this month. “We must have a coherent response this time so we don’t suffer a knock as we did in the last round.”

With its economies growing at 5 percent or more, Africa is the obvious candidate to plug the gap - and regional exports are showing gradual signs of growth, from just 15 percent of total sales in April last year to 17 percent in April 2012. However, South Africa’s trade with the continent - a three-fold increase since 2001 - has severely lagged that of China whose trade with Africa grew 16-fold over the same period.

Exports to key economies such as Nigeria and Egypt are well below potential, said Standard Bank analyst Simon Freemantle.

In 2011, just 0.5 percent of South Africa’s total exports to Africa were to Egypt, and 4 percent to Nigeria.

By contrast, 16 percent of China’s African exports were to Nigeria and 13 percent to Egypt.

“We are very competitive within our southern Africa neighborhood but to an extent we are missing out on the large and fast-growing economies elsewhere,” Freemantle said. “These are economies that we really could and should be doing more trade with and we haven’t prioritized them.”

While some local firms have beaten a path into frontier Africa, including retailer Shoprite, Standard Bank and mobile phone operators MTN and Vodacom , politicians have been slow to follow.

For example, since his election in 2009, Zuma has yet to make an official visit to Nigeria and Ethiopia Africa’s two most populous nations but has been to Britain and other Western countries as well as south and central America. Nigeria, Africa’s second largest economy, is an important potential market with a population of 150 million people.

With official GDP due to jump 40 percent under an imminent rebasing, it will also come close to South Africa in size.

Relations between the two countries remain prickly, often over matters as trivial as “District 9”, a 2009 South African science fiction movie that portrayed Nigerians as cannibals, or South African immigration officials deporting 125 Nigerians accused of carrying fake vaccination papers. “There is a perception that South Africa tilts her nose up at its neighbors and that could be costing it dearly against countries like China in terms of trade and investment,” said one southern African diplomat who declined to be named.

However, there are signs of relations being put on a more serious footing. This year, South Africa publicly backed Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for World Bank president - a diplomatic olive branch that was not diminished by her ultimately missing out on the position.

South Africa’s geographical proximity and advanced banking system also mean it is still well-positioned to catch up with Asian rivals in the 21st century ‘Scramble for Africa’.

“We have the advantage above India and China in that our financial systems are so sophisticated that nobody can really compete with us,” Efficient Group’s Roodt said.

“The guys that can compete with us are the Europeans or the Americans and they are far away and don’t really understand Africa as we do.” — Reuters

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‘China fund’ turns to Japan amid Europe fears TOKYO: Europe’s financial turmoil has seen the Chinese government quietly pour tens of billions of dollars into Japan’s stock market, analysts say, despite the neighbors’ lingering historical animosity.

For years, the two Asian powerhouses have eyed each other suspiciously with frequent diplomatic spats flaring over territorial claims and longstanding disputes, largely stemming from Japan’s war time record. But with economic ties improving and Europe in a debt crisis, an ever more practical Beijing is buying up shares of Japanese firms as it looks for safer places to park its mountainous foreign- exchange reserves, the world’s largest.

A fund known as OD05 Omnibus, widely viewed as linked to Beijing, was a major shareholder in 174 Japanese firms by the end of March, including names such as Toyota and Nikon, said a survey by the Nikkei business daily. The paper put the value of its Japan investments at a record 3.58 trillion yen ($45 billion).

The survey showed the fund’s shareholdings have more than tripled since 2008, when the collapse of Wall Street titan Lehman Brothers triggered an unprecedented shock to the global financial system.

The ownership of Omnibus, reportedly based in Australia, has never been publicly acknowledged.

But dealers view it as being backed by China’s sovereign wealth fund, China Investment Corporation (CIC ), and charged with helping manage some of Beijing’s more than $3.0 trillion foreign currency war chest. “When Europe is in such financial turmoil, Beijing needs to diversify its investment destinations,” said Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute in Tokyo.

“China has so much in foreign currency reser ves, and they need to invest it in blue-chip companies.”

The CIC’s chairman has reportedly said the fund was scaling back its European equity and bond holdings, telling the Wall Street Journal this month that “there is a risk that the eurozone may fall apart and that risk is rising”.

Japan’s economy has struggled for years, but it is increasingly seen as a port in the storm for investors, while Europe struggles to rein in its finances and questions swirl about a solid recovery in the United States.

Omnibus’s portfolio includes a 1.9 percent stake in Toyota, a 2.2 percent holding in rival automaker Honda, a 1.9 percent share of camera giant

Nikon, and a 2.5 percent stake in construc tion machiner y maker Komatsu, the Nikkei survey said.

A Toyota spokeswoman declined comment on individual holdings of its stock , saying it was “up to investors what shares they invest in”.

The Nikkei figures come at a time when Tokyo and Beijing forge ever closer economic ties, two years after China wrested the title of world’s second-largest economy from Japan, a longtime export powerhouse.

Recent Bank of Japan data showed China has become a major holder of Japanese government and corporate debt, outpacing the United States and Britain.

In March, China, which is Japan’s largest trading partner, approved Tokyo buying its government bonds, a move that analysts said appeared to be the first time a major economy had bought debt direc tly from Beijing. The Asian powers have also started direct trading between the Chinese yuan and the yen to ease cross-border business, including corporate acquisitions which have often been completed using dollars.

The agreement-the yen is the only major currenc y other than the greenback to trade directly against the yuan-comes as Beijing continues

its long-term bid to turn the yuan into a global unit rivalling the dollar.

A Chinese fund manager said Omnibus quietly invests in a cross sec tion of corporate Japan, but deliberately keeps its stake well below majority ownership.

However “there is nothing wrong with the Chinese investment, and it’s not bad news for Japanese companies”, said Yasuyoshi Masuda, an eco-

nomics professor at Japan’s Toyo University. He acknowledged Japan should be wary of Chinese government investment in firms with links to the military or secret technology, said that otherwise “Japan’s stock market should welcome foreign capital investment”. “It’s not like the Chinese fund owns more than 50 percent of a major Japanese firm,” he added. — AFP

BIEJING: A vendor stands at her stall during rainfall in Beijing yesterday.

China’s economy grew an annual 8.1 percent in the first quarter of this year — its slowest pace in nearly three years. — AFP

Pessimistic UK central bank sees outlook worsening Euro-zone creating enormous uncertainty

MILAN: Soldiers block protesters near Italian tax offices following an increase in violence as the country struggles through austerity measures.

War on tax evasion squeezes crisis-hit Italians ROME: Tempers are fraying at Italy’s tax offices, as higher bills and a government clamp-down on evaders has driven recession-hit Italians to vent their anger on the country’s most hated institution.

“There’s no end to it. Each day the noose tightens around our necks, and the more they tighten the screws, the less we can pay,” one young businessman Gianbattista Tagliani told AFP. “The government wants to recover taxes too quickly.” Tagliani, who owns a media monitoring firm, has come to one of the Equitalia tax collection counters in Rome to pay 5,000 euros ($6,250) in overdue social security contributions.

The irony, he says, is that the State is one of his clients-and it currently owes him 20,000 euros. But as it always pays him up to six months late for his services, he has had to find the 5,000 he owes them elsewhere. “On the other hand, celebrities like (motorcycle racer champion) Valentino Rossi say: ‘Okay, I’ll pay up now, if you give me for example a 30-percent discount’,” he said.

His comments echoed a strong sense of injustice against the privileged few, in a country that entered a recession at the end of 2011. Prime Minister Mario Monti, who took over from media mogul Silvio Berlusconi at the end of last year when the eurozone debt crisis hit Italy, has re-imposed a tax on principal residences his predecessor threw out in 2008. Berlusconi’s move to cut the tax helped win him the elections that year. In a move to woo Italy ’s disaffected, Berlusconi seized on the highly unpopular tax to voice anger over Monti’s “Save Italy” cuts and levies. “We can no longer

freely spend our money and home owners rights are abused,” he said at a recent rally. The capital gains tax comes on top of a hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) to 21 percent, which could soon rise further to 23 percent. But the strain on ordinary Italians has sparked a series of attacks on the tax agency. A parcel bomb, which exploded in an Equitalia office and wounded a director last December, set off a chain of attacks on taxmen and offices across Italy.

There is also resentment over benefits enjoyed by privileged politicians, accused of living the good life while the rest of the country pays its dues.

“Politicans, the government, they are not paying the penalty,” said 49-year-old businessman Paolo Schiaramazza, who runs a building company. “They have official cars, they don’t pay for their petrol, they eat and have fun for free, they are dressed finely and wear ties,” he added.

The was was not only unjust-”an agency of loan sharks”, he called the tax office-it is also pitifully inefficient.

Equitalia defends itself, saying it only keeps nine percent of the tax revenue it collects. The rest goes where it belongs: into the government’s coffers, to Italy’s social security system, or to town mayors for example. “We send around 16 million letters chasing tax each year,” said Equitalia’s chief spokesman, Giovanni Lombardo. “That’s an enormous amount, it tells us lots about the pathological relationship Italians have with the tax man.”

As the government set about trying to reduce Italy’s vast debt, Monti waged war on tax evasion, estimated to be worth around 120 billion euros a year. — AFP

Bankrupt Irish tycoon Quinn found guilty, faces jail DUBLIN: Once Ireland’s richest man, Sean Quinn was found guilty of contempt yesterday and may go to jail after a court ruled that the bankrupt businessman had blocked a state bank from seizing property worth hundreds of millions of euros (dollars). Quinn, whose four-billion-euro ($5-billion) business empire collapsed after a disastrous investment in now-nationalised Anglo Irish Bank, is being pursued by the bank for debts of almost 3 billion euros.

The Irish Banking Resolution Corporation (IBRC), created from the remains of Anglo, asked the High Court to declare Quinn in contempt for violating an order not to interfere with foreign property assets worth an estimated 500 million euros. “I find it impossible to accept his evidence that he had no hand in matters after April 2011, his evidence is not credible,” Justice Elizabeth Dunne told a packed courtroom in one of the

most keenly anticipated judgments of Ireland’s financial crisis.

“They have engaged in a complex series of steps designed to put the assets beyond reach ... in a blatant, dishonest and deceitful manner,” she said, referring to the Quinn family after Quinn’s son Sean and his nephew Peter Quinn were also found guilty of contempt.

The judge will decide on sentencing after hearing arguments from both sides on Friday about what action should be taken but said it would be difficult to persuade her that there should not be a custodial element in the penalty. Quinn has come to personify the boom and bust of Ireland’s “Celtic Tiger” economy, turning a rural quarrying operation on his family farm into a global business empire only to become the subject of the largest ever Irish bankruptcy order four years after becoming the country’s richest man. —Reuters

LONDON: The outlook for Britain’s economy has worsened over the past few weeks due to turmoil in the euro-zone and signs of deterioration in emerging markets, the Bank of England said yesterday.

The world was not half-way through a deep crisis and the euro-zone turmoil was creating enormous uncertainty, leaving Britain was at risk of a downward spiral if businesses postponed investment, Governor Mervyn King told a parliamentary committee. Britain’s economy slipped into its second recession since the start of the financial crisis around the turn of the year and fears of a longer slump have been rising as companies hold back investment and exports suffer from the euro zone crisis.

The government and the central bank announced two schemes on June 14 get credit flowing through the economy, as a huge budget deficit limits finance minister George Osborne’s room to raise spending to boost growth. “We are in the middle of a deep crisis, with enormous challenges to put our own banking system right and challenges for the rest of the world that they are struggling with,” King told parliament’s Treasury Committee.

“In the last six weeks... I am very struck by how much has changed since we produced our May Inflation Report,” King said. “I am pessimistic (about the euro-zone outlook). I am particularly concerned because over two years now we have seen the situation in the euro area get worse and the problem being pushed down the road,” he said.

The central bank’s Monetary Policy Committee voted 5-4 against buying more government bonds with newly created money to boost the economy, but most economists expect another round of quantitative easing in July.Policymakers Ben Broadbent and Spencer Dale - who both voted against more stimulus in June - as well as David Miles all identified the euro-zone debt crisis as the main threat to Britain’s economy in their annual reports to parliament.

Chief economist Dale said he thought that easing credit costs may be a better option to help the economy. Broadbent also said he would take the new schemes into account when deciding about his vote next month.

Several policymakers have voiced doubts about the effectiveness of more asset purchases, saying banks’ reluctance to provide cheap credit and companies’ lack of confidence to take on more debt were more of an obstacle to growth. But central bank governor Mervyn King - who voted in favour of increasing the asset purchases by another 50 billion pounds to 375 billion pounds - remained adamant that cash injections could still stimulate the economy.

“What has particularly concerned me in the last several months - why I have voted for more easing policy - was my concern about the worsening I see in the position in Asia and other emerging markets,” King said. “And my

colleagues in the United States are more concerned than they were at the beginning of the year about what is happening to the American economy,” he added.

Britain has not recovered from the 2008/2009 slump that has left many Britons worse off, and fears are rising that another prolonged recession would do lasting damage to the economy. The pressure on the government to increase spending directly have been growing, but an unexpected increase in borrowing in May highlighted the constraints for the government, which has pledged to erase the budget deficit still at around 8 percent of GDP. The new funding for lending scheme designed to lower banks’ funding costs in return for more lending to companies and households by allowing them to swap illiquid assets for more liquid ones - should be up and running within weeks, King said. — Reuters

US wants ‘flesh on the bone’ from Europe on crisis WASHINGTON: The United States urged European leaders yesterday to put “more flesh on the bone” for their ideas to tackle the euro zone’s debt crisis as they prepare for a crucial EU summit this week.

In an interview with Reuters, US Treasury Under Secretary Lael Brainard said that while eurozone leaders were moving with a greater sense of urgency to deal with the crisis, more details were needed on how they would achieve this. She said the summit of European leaders in Brussels tomorrow and Friday needed to spell out short-term actions to deal with immediate financial stresses enveloping some EU states and sketch out a roadmap towards greater economic union.

“We’re all hoping to see them put some flesh on the bones in the days ahead,” Brainard said, referring to commitments European leaders made at a Group of 20 meeting in Mexico a week ago to do whatever it takes to preserve the integrity and stability of the 17-nation

euro area. In particular, Brainard said, it was important that the summit spell out how leaders planned to boost market confidence, strengthen banks, ensure that embattled Spain and Italy can raise capital at more affordable rates, and boost growth and jobs.

Global share prices and the euro slid on Monday as investors bet that European leaders would fail to come up with measures to back weak countries. Cyprus on Monday became the fifth euro zone country to turn to Brussels for emergency funding, joining Spain, Portugal, Greece and Ireland.

Brainard said the United States had consistently supported EU efforts to strengthen the euro zone’s financial firewall to shore up bank balance sheets, but avoided saying how they should do that.

The International Monetary Fund has urged the euro zone to channel aid directly into struggling banks rather than via governments. “The particulars on how they go forward and how

they design their firewall, how they design their policies, those are things that at the end of the day sit with those European leaders,” she said, “We’re all looking forward to seeing some of the specifics.”

Brainard said the United States supported an ambitious plan by Spain to recapitalize its struggling banks with the help of a 100-billion-euro EU loan.

Such steps showed that the Spanish authorities were trying to “get out ahead of market expectations,” she added.

But Brainard said it was important that Spain release details on the mechanism its European partners would use to inject capital into the banks. “ We would like to see the euro area coming together around a plan as to how they will finance that in a way that really boosts confidence,” she added. Brainard, who earlier on Monday said Greece’s economic challenges were manageable if it moved swiftly to address its problems, said it was in Athens’ own interest to complete tough

economic reforms under an international bailout.

The United States, the largest economy in the IMF, has signaled it will support a review of the timelines of the 130-billion euro IMF-EU bailout for Greece, but not the terms of the rescue package, which includes tough fiscal and structural measures.

“In order to move forward under any circumstance, Greece is really going to have to take those tough structural reforms,” Brainard added.

Talks scheduled for Monday between the new Greek government and a “troika” of international lenders, including the IMF, EU and the European Central Bank, were postponed at the weekend after new Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras underwent eye surgery on Saturday and his Finance Minister Vassilis Rapanos resigned. Samaras’s coalition government, sworn in last week, has called for the renegotiation of the austerity measures of the financial bailout, which is keeping Greece from bankruptcy. —Reuters

26

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

BUSINESS

Twelve months since the first car was sold, sales of the 12C have surpassed 1000 cars worldwide.

The UK-based car manufacturer saw the official opening of the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) by the British Prime Minister David Cameron. (Left to right) 2011 Cycling Road World Champion, Mark Cavendish, McLaren Group CEO and McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman, Ron Dennis, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Formula 1 drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

McLaren Automotive celebrates its first anniversary KUWAIT: June 21 2012 represents an extraordinar y milestone for McLaren Automotive which has, in the last 12 months, evolved into a global luxury car producer.

It was exactly a year ago since the first 12C high performance sports c a r w a s s o l d, a n d M c L a re n opened its very first retailer, both in the UK. Twelve months later, sales of the 12C have surpassed 1000 and McLaren has expanded its retail network into 22 countries across the globe, including six retailers in the Middle East -

Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait and Manama.

Managing Director Antony Sheriff said “This is proud moment in time for everyone at McLaren where, in only 12 months, the 12C has established itself as one of the most acclaimed high performance sports cars in the world amongst a very discerning customer base.

From the day that Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button officially opened our very first showroom in London, McLaren is now present in 38 cities in 22 countries across the globe.

“At the heart of this journey is a single-minded focus on the very highest quality and personal care and support wherever our customers are in the world. That is what our customers expect after they buy the car, and are just as important as a fast lap time.”

Through regional offices in Europe, Nor th America, Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific, M cLaren showrooms are now located in some of the world’s most prestigious locations. To date the Middle East has launched four

showrooms in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, UAE (both Al-Habtoor Motors), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Al Ghassan Motors) and Kuwait City (Ali Alghanim and Sons). Two more retailers are trading, and have showrooms planned to open later this year in Doha, Qatar (Al Wajba Establishment) and M anama, Bahrain (also Al Ghassan Motors).

In a year of significant achievements, the new UK based car manufacturer saw the official opening of the McLaren Production Centre (MPC ) by the British Prime

Accessorized Chevrolet cars cheer Euro teams Kromozone joins Euro 2012 championship with creative ideas At Kromozone, there is always a genuine passion for everything positive and creative when it comes to youth and their activities; especially when it is related to sports. As the Euro 2012 championship commenced, Kromozone saved no efforts to pump the spirit of this passion in a new concept that ended with a stunning fleet of six vehicles accessorized with their respective European nationalities and made them part of this football fever.

Kromozone has selected 6 Chevrolet cars to be accessorized, where every car is conceptualized to one participating country of the championship. These cars went to showcase their exciting look at the Avenues mall, where every week, the visitors will be introduced to a new car to see, touch, and test drive.

In the Avenues, visitors will see one of those customized cars weekly. A Silverado was dressed

with Italy’s national iconic accessories, while a Camaro was accessorized as a Spain edition. Those creative and bold accessories made the Kromozone display attractive and appealing to all visitors and car enthusiast alike.

Any visitor expressing his interest to test drive any of these cars, was directed to visit Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim car showrooms for a test drive appointment, and received a chance to win cash coupons from Kromozone.

Kromozone has achieved a leadership in car accessories business since it was opened in Kuwait. It provides a huge selection of accessories that made it the one and only choice to all drivers who are after the personal signature touches of their vehicles, who will find a wide range of ideas and accessories that meet their expectations to find the unique look they would like their cars to have.

Citibank NA Kuwait holds training on credit risk analysis for Kuwaitis KUWAIT: Citibank NA Kuwait sponsored a three-week intensive training program targeting 20 Kuwaiti university graduates to prepare them to work in the economic and financial sector of the Kuwaiti Market.

Training was conducted by George Werner, an ex-Citibanker and a banking expert from Polar Associates, a NY-based consultancy which provides high quality risk management training to financial institutions and corporations and specializes in credit risk analysis and management, corporate finance and the analysis of financial institutions.

The highly intensive, highly participative practical program entailed two weeks of unique

credit risk analysis and management and one week of corporate finance which provided trainees with a solid foundation for further professional development. A mix of lectures, exercises, case studies and team presentations reinforced a basic understanding of credit risk and corporate finance.

“The training program prepares the trainees for the next phase of intensive financial training after which they will be able to work in any of the financial institutions in and outside Kuwait. It has been successfully held over the past 18 years and we are happy to contribute to the future career of these trainees,” said Ozgur Kutay, General Manager for Citibank NA Kuwait.

Adnan Al-Baker, Assistant Manager of the Training Center at KIA commented: “We are pleased with the high turnout of trainees every time we launch this training program which also falls within KIA’s annual recruitment plan.

These 20 university graduates have gained the knowledge and experience they need to continue on their learning and career path to become professional bankers in the banking sector of Kuwait. We are happy to continue having Citibank NA Kuwait involved in the training and induction process to provide the trainees with handson experience and look forward to training more students next year.”

Citi has been in the Arab World for nearly 50 years and continues

to view the region as critical to its global franchise. It is currently present in ten Arab countries including Egypt, UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. It also serves clients in non-presence countries, such as Yemen and Oman through Bahrain and Dubai.

Since establishing its fully licensed branch in Kuwait in 2006, Citi has evolved into an active corporate citizen, with a particular interest in supporting financial education and developing Kuwait’s talent pool. Over 500 young Kuwaitis have so far received certified training on financial literacy, life skills and personal economics through Citi’s sponsored training programs.

Minister, David Cameron. During the visit, Mr Cameron said that he had never seen anything quite like it. The British brand, has also received a host of accolades bestowed including one of Britain’s most revered honors, the Walpole award for Best British Luxury Brand.

2012 also saw two additional divisions of the brand open.

McLaren Special Operations is the division responsible for the deliver y of bespoke projec ts for McLaren sports cars customers,

while McLaren GT is responsible for the creation and development of the new 12C GT3. Much like the 12C road car on which it is based, demand for the 12C GT3 race car has outstripped supply.

With just one year operating at full capacity, McLaren has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most exciting sports car companies fully focused on the development of its range of innovative, technologically groundbreaking, and bespoke high performance sports cars.

CFC services now at Al-Bairaq Mall KUWAIT: Commercial Facilities Company (CFC) yesterday announced its new booth at Al-Bairaq Mall as means to further reach out to its clients with a vast array of services aimed to meet their best benefit while solidify mutual networking. The booth is set up until July 5, 2012.

On his part, Manager Services Development of CFC, Mohammed Bader Al-Qattan, said, “As we are always in a quest to provide our customers with the best quality services, we have set up the booth in a unique location to cater to AlEugaila customers and those living in the nearby areas. The booth is ready to receive applications for financing cars and cash loans, while provide broad information about the company and its services.”

Customers can visit the booth and make use of all the services offered, which include receiving approvals on applications with great ease, in addition to getting final feedback regarding finance requests within 24 hours only.

Furthermore, customers can enjoy the benefits of the recently launched car campaign, ‘ Tayahna Wahda,’ which allows them to buy their dream car with four-year interest rate over a period of five years.

Al Qattan added, “The booth offers

great services in no time, this including ‘Tayahna Wahda’ campaign which provides unique finance solutions for new and used cars. Clients can utilize its services regardless of the source of the car supplier, whether it was a showroom, car representative, or individual.” CFC’s booth at

Mohammed Bader Al-Qattan Al-Bairaq Mall is all ready to receive its customers everyday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Customers can also reach CFC through its main branch in Kuwait City, or visit them in Jahra, Riggae, Fahaheel, and Hawalli, in addition to all car agents.

Clients can also visit www.cfc-kw.com.

Peugeot first time ever, free maintenance forever KUWAIT: KAICO Peugeot (Al-Shaya & Al-Sagar) kickstarted an exclusive summer campaign on 20 June - a first time ever campaign on Peugeot passenger, crossover and sports cars.

Ashish Tandon, KAICO’s General Manager explained the campaign is exceptional and made for the first time in GCC. When you purchase Peugeot, you will get peace of mind with free lifetime ser vice and repairs (including labor and parts).

He went on saying that Peugeot with its slogan motion and emotions continues to inspire customers from driving pleasure to peace of mind and to excite customers and automotive critics alike with its dynamic styling, safety and satisfying performance. The offer will include Peugeot 207, 308, crossover 3008 & 5008, spor t y design RCZ and the totally new sedan 508.

Why this campaign?

Ali Sabbagh, Peugeot Sales Manager stated that with the growing awareness among motorists of the need to protect the environment, the need for safety cars because of accidents, and improved engine performance and efficiency due to high fuel prices globally, the car makers started manufacturing cars with lower engine cc yet higher output and less fuel consumption.

Consequently, these changes in the performance need more care and maintenance to make sure that the vehicle runs in best condition and subsequently requires more parts and labor hours to service and maintain the cars. Car owners thought that the dealers’ workshops charging more for maintenance and preferred to maintain their cars in local workshops.

Customer benefit: Peugeot in KAICO decided to relief its customers and eliminate their concerns by announcing this limited time offer.

Within this offer customers can avail of free & unlimited mileage service intervals ( labor & parts) including any ex tra repairs like brake pads, drive belts, engine mountings, brake discs.

Exclusions: this offer does not cover tires, wheels, batteries, scratches, dents and accidents. This offer is exclusive for the first owner of the car only and not transferable.

The car should not run more than 30,000 KM a year... We urge all our customers to take the advantage of this limited offer. The campaign valid from 20th Jun ‘12 till 5th July 2012.

Ali Sabbagh urged prospects to test drive any Peugeot model by calling 66756971 and to watch out for more exciting offers from Peugeot.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Virtualization in use on most new servers DUBAI: International Data Corporation (IDC), together with Kaspersky Lab, analyzed the global virtualization market to identify the main trends and characteristics related to protecting virtual environments and provided a market forecast until the year 2014. The information suggests that virtualization is currently in use on most new servers, and in two years the number of virtual machines will reach 18 million - that’s twice the number of physical devices. Moreover, it is expected that by 2013 two thirds of all corporate services and applications will work in a virtual environment.

Experts believe such rapid evolution is driven primarily by the advantages of the technology. 75% of the companies that already use virtualization recognize it as truly valuable and are making virtualization a priority in the development of their IT infrastructure.

According to IDC, despite widespread virtualization, protection for virtual environments is lagging behind.

“Virtualization benefits can overshadow security concerns,” commented Timur Faroukshin, IDC Consulting Director in

Russia and CIS. “In addition, specialized solutions are new, and many customers aren’t aware that a new approach is available, or what the shortcomings are

its own survey of the GCC virtualization market,” added Vladimir Udalov, Senior Corporate Product Marketing Manager at Kaspersky Lab. “Although 61% of the

of their imported legacy security solutions.”

“IDC’s analysis has fully confirmed the conclusions Kaspersky Lab made during

companies sur veyed have already implemented or are planning to implement virtualization, only 7% of IT specialists have extensive and advanced

experience to fully understand all the security risks in this area and to choose the right approach to protecting virtual environments. Moreover, 43% of specialists surveyed mistakenly believe that IT security risks are much lower in the virtual environment than in the physical one.”

Kaspersky Security for Virtualization (KSV) is an agentless anti-malware solution that provides a more efficient way to protect your virtualized infrastructure - with greater performance and less impact on virtualization density. The application is easy to deploy and includes advanced management features that simplify a wide range of security tasks - across both physical and virtual computing assets.

Kaspersky Lab is the largest antivirus company in Europe. It delivers some of the world’s most immediate protection against IT security threats, including viruses, spyware, crimeware, hackers, phishing, and spam. The company is ranked among the world’s top four vendors of security solutions for endpoint users. Kaspersky Lab products provide

superior detection rates and one of the industry’s fastest outbreak response times for home users, SMBs, large enterprises and the mobile computing environment. Kaspersky(r) technology is also used worldwide inside the products and services of the industry’s leading IT security solution providers. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com. For the latest on antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam and other IT security issues and trends, visit www.securelist.com.

IDC is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets. IDC helps IT professionals, business executives and the investment communities make factbased decisions on technology purchases and business strategy. More than 1000 IDC analysts provide global, regional, and local expertise on technology and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries worldwide.

For more than 48 years, IDC has provided strategic insights to help our clients achieve their key business objectives.

Smartphones put writing on the wall for paid texts New products offer greater features

SHANGHAI: A television screen on a subway train in Shanghai shows Chinese President Hu Jintao speaking by telephone to the three Chinese astronauts aboard the orbiting Tiangong-1 space capsule yesterday. — AFP

Hu praises astronauts for space advance BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao yesterday told the three astronauts aboard a space capsule they had pushed forward China’s space programme, after they carried out the country’s first manual docking.

Hu spoke to the crew-including China’s first woman in space Liu Yang-by telephone two days after they carried out the highly technical manoeuvre, a milestone in an ambitious programme to build a space station by the end of the decade.

“The smooth completion of the manual docking shows China fully grasps space docking technology,” Hu said in a conversation with the astronauts that was broadcast live on state television.

“You have made outstanding contributions to the development of China’s manned space programme.”

Beijing sees its space programme as a symbol of its global stature, growing technical expertise, and the Communist Party’s success in turning around the fortunes of the once poverty-stricken nation.

Jing Haipeng, who is leading the astronaut team, told the Chinese president that

the three were in good condition after 10 days in space. State media said the spacecraft could return to earth on Friday.

“Chinese astronauts have our own home in the space. We feel proud of our great country,” Jing said, as the three astronauts dressed in blue jumpsuits stood to receive the call from Hu. The third member of the team is Liu Wang, who carried out the manual docking between the Shenzhou-9 vessel and the orbiting Tiangong-1 module following the spacecraft’s launch on June 16.

The complicated manoeuvre was the main goal of the 13-day Shenzhou mission, testing the docking technique needed to be able to construct a space station-which China aims to do by 2020.

The two spacecraft first came together in an automatic docking on June 18, and several hours later the three astronauts on board Shenzhou-9 entered the Tiangong-1 — another first for China.

Jing told Hu that the group was now carrying out experiments in space, but he gave no details. —AFP

Facebook names woman to board NEW YORK: Facebook’s No. 2 executive, Sheryl Sandberg, has become the first woman on the social-networking company’s board of directors.

Sandberg was lured from Google in 2008 to become Facebook’s chief operating officer.

Besides being the first woman, she is the first Facebook executive other than founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg on the board. There had been calls for the company to add women to its board ahead of its initial public offering of stock in mid-May. In announcing the move Monday, Facebook Inc. didn’t say whether it came in response to calls to add women. But as the No. 2 to Zuckerberg, she was a logical choice.

“Sheryl has been my partner in running Facebook and has been central to our growth and success over the years,” Zuckerberg said in a statement. “Her understanding of our mission and long-term opportunity, and her experience both at Facebook and on public company boards makes her a natural fit for our board.”

Sandberg has been largely responsible for building Facebook’s advertising business. She also often serves as Facebook’s public face, appearing at conferences and important meetings, while Zuckerberg often prefers to stay in the background and focus on Facebook’s products.

Sandberg’s appointment is somewhat symbolic. She is already a highly influential executive at Facebook, which is unlikely to change with her board appointment. That said, Zuckerberg still controls Facebook and its board due to his holding more than half of its voting stock.

Sandberg, 42, joins Zuckerberg, Netflix chief Reed Hastings and entrepreneurs Marc Andreessen, James Breyer and Peter Thiel.

Also on the board are Donald Graham, CEO of The Washington Post Co., and Erskine Bowles, president emeritus of the University of North Carolina system.

Sandberg also serves on the boards of The

SINGAPORE: Text messaging, the simple telecoms service that turned into a global phenomenon, is under threat from free smartphone services and operators need to find alternative revenue streams, analysts say. The short message service, or SMS, started as a way to use spare telecoms capacity but has become a key cash generator for operators, while offering users a cheap way to keep in touch with friends and family and avoid the expense of voice calls. But the surge in Internetenabled smartphones in recent years has led to the rise of free voice, video and text messaging applications that are threatening to send SMS into oblivion.

According to technology research firm Ovum, SMS contributed about 57 percent of nonvoice revenues for telecom companies globally in 2009 but this is projected to fall to 47 percent this year.

Ovum estimates the rise of alternative messaging services has slashed $8.7 billion from the revenues of telecom operators worldwide in 2010 and $13.9 billion in 2011.

“SMS in the next few years will contribute less and less to nonvoice revenue for operators,” said Neha Dharia, a consumer telecoms analyst at Ovum.

“Consumers now have the ability to send text messaging through a variety of ways, such as IM (instant messaging), messaging apps, social networks and so on,” she said.

“These products offer greater features and are competitively priced or even free. SMS is a more expensive option in certain markets and the interface is not as user friendly or intuitive as other messaging products in the market.”

The surge in mobile Internet, driven by the explosion in smartphones and tablet computers, was a major topic at the four-day CommunicAsia fair that ended in Singapore on Friday.

Mobile devices are on track to

replace conventional computers as the primary means to connect to the Internet, speakers said, and offer access to the likes of Yahoo!, Google and Facebook, among oth-

the number has since been falling and was down to 2.21 billion in March.

“I use it (SMS) a lot less these days,” said Joscelyn Tan, 35, a corpo-

SINGAPORE: The surge in Internet-enabled smartphones in recent years has led to the rise of free voice, video and text messaging applications that are threatening to send SMS into oblivion. ers, with their own instant messaging features.

At the same time applications such as WhatsApp, Viber, Tango and the iPhone’s Facetime offer free voice and video calls and message services when there is wireless connection. The changeover has already begun.

Data from Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority showed users in the tech-savvy city-state sent and received a record 2.46 billion SMSs in September 2011 but

rate marketing specialist for an electronics company in the city-state.

“WhatsApp is so convenient. Plus it’s free and a lot more fun with all the ‘emoticons’. I used to have to pay for extra SMS, not anymore,” she added.

But it remains a slow process in some of Asia’s biggest telecommunications markets.

In a Pew Research Centre survey of mobile phone users in 21 countries last year, Indonesians reported the heaviest SMS usage, with 96

percent saying they regularly send texts. The vast majority of Indonesia’s 240 million people cannot afford smartphones and buy old-model Nokia handsets, which can cost as little as $15, making text messaging a primary means of communications.

But even so the country is also one of the world’s biggest BlackBerry markets-in large part because of its wildly popular instant messaging services.

With a mobile phone penetration rate of nearly one handset for every Filipino, SMS messaging has become an important part of Philippine culture and politics.

Official data shows an average of 15 text messages-a mix of jokes, chain messages, political or showbiz rumours, uplifting quotes and invitations-are sent each day by each user, making Filipinos among the world’s biggest users.

As well as being harnessed to organise “people power” political protests, text messaging also allows Filipinos to communicate cheaply with relatives who are part of the nine million-strong work force abroad.

Maurie Dobbin, managing director at TeleResources Engineering, said SMS is likely to decline as people increasingly switch to smartphones.

“When the smartphone penetration in these Asian markets comes up... we will see a dramatic impact on SMS traffic,” Dobbin told AFP on the sidelines of CommunicAsia.

Smartphones represented only 12 percent of all mobile phones in use globally last year, but accounted for 82 percent of data traffic, said Dobbin, adding that telecom operators needed to adjust as revenues from SMS decline. “They do need to be more than a dumb pipe,” Dobbin said. “They need to be providing value to their customers... their business model needs to change and they need to introduce new products into that.” —AFP

Indonesia website takes aim at corrupt officials DAVOS: In this file photo, Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of the social network service Facebook, speaks during a panel session at the 41st annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland. — AP Walt Disney Co. and of groups such as Women for Women International. She won’t receive any additional financial compensation for the board role.

UltraViolet, a women’s rights group that has been asking Facebook to add women to its board, said its campaign “should have never been necessary.” “We hope this is a first step for Facebook and in the coming months more women will be added to their board,” UltraViolet co-founder Nita Chaudhary said in a statement. “In addition, we hope that other companies with all-male boards, particularly those in the tech sector, will follow Facebook’s lead.”

Most large corporations have at least one female board member, but that’s where it ends for many of them. According to a report on corporate board gender diversity from corporate advisory firm Glass Lewis, 91 percent of companies in the S&P 500 had at least one female board member in 2011. Catalyst, a nonprofit group that advocates for women in business, says in a report that only 16.1 percent of board seats at Fortune 500 companies were held by women last year.— AP

JAKARTA: An Indonesian website listing crooked officials and individuals has joined the war against graft in one of Asia’s most corrupt nations, its founders said yesterday.

Korupedia.org, which so far lists 108 graft convicts, has received nearly 2 million Internet hits in the week since it was launched, some from hackers trying to bring it down, they said.

The website is similar to IPaidABribe.com, an Indian site launched in Bangalore two years ago. “Since the official launch last Tuesday we recorded around 1.9 million visits from across Indonesia, most of them from Jakarta,” said Suwandi Ahmad, the website’s developer.

“We have also had cyberattacks nearly daily. I’m pretty sure it’s by people trying to ruin our database,” said Danang Widoyoko, one of the founders and also head of the independent Indonesian Corruption Watch. “A corruption case reported in a newspaper only impacts for one day, but the data on our website will last forever. If you want to find some information about the family of your future spouse check our site,” he said.

Korupedia.org lists names, photographs and details of convictions, such as amounts embezzled and sentences received.

“The website at least metes out social punishment, which will hope-

JAKARTA: Suwandi Ahmad, the website developer for Korupedia.org, monitors a computer screen at their office in Jakarta yesterday which shows suspected hackers who illegaly accessed the website. —AFP fully act as a deterrent and help end the culture of corruption in this country,” Widoyoko added.

A Gallup poll released in October last year found that 91 percent of Indonesians believe corruption in government is widespread, com-

pared to 84 percent in 2006.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has won two elections on promises to tackle graft in one of the most corrupt countries in Asia, but critics say he has failed to make any genuine difference to the culture

of graft and impunity.

Transparency International, the anti-global graft body, ranked Indonesia 100 in a list of 183 nations in its Corruption Perception Index last year, making it more corrupt than India. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Know your BMI: Docs told to screen for obesity US Preventive Services Task Force issues gudielines

WARANGAL: An Indian undergoing alcohol abuse treatment (C) and school children participate in an anti drugs rally for International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Warangal, some 140km from Hyderabad yesterday. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is used to express the challenges faced regarding narcotics, the measures taken, and the solutions for resolving this problem. — AFP

‘War on drugs’ fueling HIV epidemic: Report LONDON: A pressure group that includes six former presidents called yesterday for the United Nations to acknowledge that “repressive drug law enforcement” was driving an HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The global “war on drugs” was forcing users away from treatment and into environments where the risk of contracting HIV was high, the Global Commission on Drug Policy (GCDP) argued.

In a report published yesterday, the panel urged the UN to “acknowledge and address the causal links between the war on drugs and the spread of HIV/AIDS and drug market violence”.

It also presented evidence that aggressive law enforcement policies created barriers to HIV treatment.

“The public health implications of HIV treatment disruptions resulting from drug law enforcement tactics have not been appropriately recognized as a major impediment to efforts to control the global HIV/AIDS pandemic,” it argued. The GCDP is a panel of politicians, writers and businessmen that advocates decriminalizing drug

use by those who “do no harm to others”.

Members of the GCDP include six former presidents, four of whom are from Latin America: Mexico’s Ernesto Zedillo, Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil, Ricardo Lagos of Chile and Colombia’s Cesar Gaviria. It was Gaviria who led Colombia when police gunned down the notorious drug-runner Pablo Escobar in 1993. Other supporters include the European Union’s former foreign policy chief Javier Solana and George Shultz, the who served as US secretary of state during Ronald Reagan’s presidency.

The report accused the US, Russia and Thailand of ignoring scientific evidence about the relationship between law enforcement policies and HIV rates “with devastating consequences.”

The increased availability of drugs worldwide proved that the strategy was failing, it added.

“The war on drugs has failed, and millions of new HIV infections and AIDS deaths can be averted if action is taken now,” it concluded. — AFP

Moderate exercise tied to lower breast cancer risk Women who exercise moderately may be less likely than their inactive peers to develop breast cancer after menopause, according to a US study.

Researchers, whose study was published in the journal Cancer, found that of more than 3,000 women with and without breast cancer, those who’d exercised during their childbearing years were less likely to develop the cancer after menopause.

The same was true when women took up exercise after menopause, said the group, led by Lauren McCullough at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

“What we can say is, exercise is good for you,” McCullough said. “It’s never too late to start. Our evidence suggests that if you start after menopause, you can still help yourself.”

The findings add to a number of past studies tying regular exercise to lower breast cancer rates. But all the studies only point to a correlation and don’t prove that exercise itself is what reduces women’s breast cancer risk. There are reasons, though, to believe it can, said McCullough.

One possible way is indirectly, by cutting body fat, she said. Excess body fat is related to higher levels of certain hormones, including estrogen, as well as substances known as growth factors which can feed tumor development.

But exercise might also have direct effects by boosting the immune system or the body’s ability to clear cell-damaging “free radicals.”

In the study, which included 1,500 women with breast cancer and 1,550 cancer-free women of the same age, all were interviewed about their lifetime exercise habits and other lifestyle factors, like smoking and drinking. The researchers

found a connection between exercise and breast cancer risk only among women who had already gone through menopause.

Those who’d exercised for 10 to 19 hours a week in their “reproductive years” the years between having their first child and going through menopause - were one-third less likely to have breast cancer than women who’d been sedentary during that time.

Women who’d started exercising after menopause also had a lower risk. If they averaged 9 to 17 hours a week, they were 30 percent less likely to have breast cancer than their inactive peers.

Of course, women who exercise can be different from sedentary women in many ways. So the researchers accounted for differences in education, income, smoking and certain other factors. Exercise was still linked to lower breast cancer risk. Then the researchers took a closer look at body weight. They found that among relatively lighter women, exercise was linked to lower breast cancer risks. And for obese women, it may have mitigated the increased breast cancer risk tied to their excess weight. There was no link seen between exercise and breast cancer for the nearly 1,000 women in the study who developed breast cancer before menopause. That may be because breast cancer earlier in life has different causes.

The study had a number of limitations, including relying on women’s memories of their exercise habits over a lifetime. In addition, any study like this can only look at broad patterns.

For now, McCullough said her findings support what’s already recommended for good health - to get exercise. — AP

WASHINGTON: Chances are you know your blood pressure. What about your BMI? Body mass index signals if you’re overweight, obese or just right considering your height.

Some doctors have begun calling it a vital sign, as crucial to monitor as blood pressure.

But apparently not enough doctors check: A government panel renewed a call Monday for every adult to be screened for obesity during checkups, suggesting more physicians should be routinely calculating their patients’ BMIs. And when someone crosses the line into obesity, the doctor needs to do more than mention a diet. It’s time to refer those patients for intensive nutrition-and-fitness help, say the guidelines issued by the US Preventive Services Task Force.

Don’t assume your weight’s OK if the doctor doesn’t bring it up.

Patients “should be asking what their BMI is, and tracking that over time,” says task force member Dr. David Grossman, medical director for preventive care at the Group Health Cooperative in Seattle.

By the numbers: A normal BMI is less than 25.

Obesity begins at 30. In between is considered overweight.

To calculate yours: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi .

The advice sounds like a no-brainer, considering the national anxiety about our growing waistlines.

Two-thirds of adults are either overweight or obese. Some 17 percent of children and teens are obese, on the road to diabetes, heart disease and other ailments before they’re even grown.

The task force has recommended adult obesity screening previously, and similar guidelines urge tracking whether youngsters are putting on too many pounds. Yet BMI remains a mystery for many people. A 2010 survey of members of the American Academy of Family Physicians found up to 40 percent of those primary care doctors were comput-

ing their patients’ BMIs. Surveys show only about a third of obese patients recall their doctor counseling them about weight loss, even though people whose doctors discuss the problem are more likely to do something about it.

Doctors can struggle with the pounds, too, and Johns Hopkins University researchers recently reported that overweight physicians were less likely than skinnier ones to advise their patients about weight loss. Why the reluctance? One reason: Few doctors are trained to treat obesity, they’re discouraged by yo-yo dieting but they don’t know what to advise, says Dr. Glen Stream, president of the physicians’ group. His Spokane, Wash., practice uses electronic medical records that automatically calculate BMI when a patient’s height and weight is entered.

“Our American culture is always looking for an easy fix, a pill for every problem,” Stream says. “The updated recommendation is important because it makes clear exactly what doctors should do to help.”

In Monday’s Annals of Internal Medicine, the task force concluded high-intensity behavioral interventions are the best non-surgical advice for the obese, citing insufficient evidence about lasting effects from weight-loss medications.

The task force’s Grossman says a good program: • Includes 12 to 26 face-to-face meetings over a year, most in the first few months.

Makes patients set realistic weight-loss goals.

Losing just 5 percent of your initial weight - 10 pounds for a 200-pound person - can significantly improve health.

Analyzes what blocks each patient from reaching those goals. Do they eat high-calorie comfort foods to deal with depression? Spend too much time at a desk job?

• Tailors ways to help people integrate physical

Statins similarly effective in men and women: Study Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs are just as effective for women as for men in preventing heart problems in people who have already had a heart attack or stroke, according to a US study. Although statins are widely used for so-called secondary prevention - to stop repeat heart attacks and strokes some analyzes have questioned whether they work as well in women as in men, said Jose Gutierrez at Columbia University in New York, who led the study.

Gutierrez and his colleagues consulted previous trials in which both men and women at risk of a second heart attack or stroke were randomly assigned to a statin or a drug-free placebo pill. The studies included a combined 43,000 people and lasted anywhere from four months to more than six years. Writing in the Archives of Internal Medicine, the researchers said that despite some lingering questions, their analysis “supports the use of statins in women.”

Overall, both men and women assigned to statins were 18 to 19 percent less likely to have one of a combination of any cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, strokes and deaths related to heart disease. For example, about seven percent of both men and women on statins had a heart attack - either fatal or not - compared to 10 percent of participants on placebos.

Men taking statins also had a 19 percent lower risk of strokes in particular and a 21 percent reduced chance of dying from any cause than those in the placebo group. The same trend held up in women, but the effect was smaller, and the difference between the statin and placebo groups could have been due to chance, they said.

Gutierrez and his colleagues noted that both men and women had similar changes in their cholesterol while on the drugs, including a 26-point drop in total cholesterol in the statin group versus a three- to six-point difference among those taking placebos.

One limitation, the researchers noted, is that women only made up about one-fifth of all participants in the studies combined, so it’s possible there just weren’t enough of them to show the same effect of statins on strokes and deaths that was seen in men. There are other possible explanations if women turn out to really not get as much benefit from statins, such as the effect of hormonal differences, Gutierrez said. “Another explanation could be the health disparity in women, and if they are sicker, probably we don’t see as much benefit,” he told Reuters Health.

Gutierrez also noted that women in the studies were less likely to be taking aspirin and other potentially risk-reducing medications than men. And statins are the end-all, be-all for heart health. “Despite statins, cardiovascular events continue occurring. They still happen regardless of what we do,” Gutierrez said. “So maybe besides statins, we should also concentrate on other factors that affect cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking cessation.” —AP

Promoting health? It’s all in the game LONDON: Meet Roxxi - a feisty and fully-armed virtual nanobot. Billed as “medicine’s mightiest warrior”, she’s fighting an epic battle deep inside the human body where she launches rapidfire assaults on malignant cells.

Or, if it’s not cancer but diabetes you’re fighting, why not join Britney and Hunter, two digital kids whose adventures to other worlds are spurred on by regular and timely updates of your blood sugar levels. They are a far cry from chemotherapy, diabetes medications, or aspirin, but Roxxi, Britney and Hunter are some of the buzz products from the brains of those who want to promote health and sell medicines.

Gamification - turning boring, unpleasant but necessary tasks into an online game - is a new way of thinking that is gaining momentum among drugmakers and health campaigners.

It’s an idea that seeks to use natural human instincts - playing and learning to help patients to get to know their illness better and adhere properly to treatment regimens or disease monitoring programs. “We all grew up learning through play,” said Christian Dawson,

strategy director at Woolley Pau Gyro, a London-based healthcare advertising agency. “Gamification is a way pharma can use that basic human instinct to get the right information into peoples’ heads.”

For 10-year-old Eleanor Howarth being able to play while trying to deal with the shock of being diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, was literally a game changer. The British schoolgirl was seven and a half when she was told she had the lifelong condition and, as a result, would need to prick and squeeze blood out of her own finger four times a day to check and register her blood glucose levels. Faced with blank refusals from a terrified child, Eleanor’s parents got hold of the “Didget” monitor made

by German drugmaker Bayer.

It comes with a game called “Knock ‘Em Downs” and can be plugged into a Nintendo DS - the games console beloved of millions of children - and rewards the patient/player for regular blood updates by adding points and new features. “It turned something she was really quite fearful about into something that could be a bit of fun,”

activity into their daily routine.

• Requires self-monitoring, such as a food diary or a pedometer to track activity.

Last year, Medicare started paying primary care doctors for obesity screening and weight-loss counseling for seniors for a year, including weekly meetings for the first month.

But many insurance companies don’t pay for all the suggested interventions, and comprehensive programs aren’t available everywhere, says Dr. Scott Kahan of George Washington University and the STOP Obesity Alliance. He runs a clinic that provides a medical, psychological and nutritional evaluation before tailoring a plan. In other programs, primary care doctors may offer some counseling and send patients to nutritionists or other specialists for extra help.

Another problem: “Doctors tend to shoo away people who have obesity. They say, ‘Don’t come back to me and tell me your back hurts or you have acid reflux or high cholesterol until you will do something about it,’” laments Kahan, who is teaching medical school students to motivate patients.

What about the overweight? The task force said more study is needed on how best to help them.

But in Reno, Nev., Dr. Andy Pasternak calculates BMI for every patient at his family medicine practice - and particularly targets the overweight in their 40s and younger for fitness counseling. He says if they wait until they’re heavier or older to get active, arthritis exacerbated by the pounds will be another barrier. Patients seldom know what their BMI should be, but “at least twice a day people say, ‘What should be my optimal weight?’” Pasternak says.

He thinks saying to lose 60 pounds is too discouraging: “What I try to get them to focus on is: How much are you working out? How many servings of vegetables do you get a day?” — AP

said Eleanor’s father Richard Howarth.

Her mother Donna said “it changed her whole perspective on the diabetes.”

Didget took its inspiration, in part, from Re-Mission, widely cited as one of the first successful health games.

Developed in 2006 by HopeLab, a nonprofit US organisation focused on children’s health, and featuring the tumorfighting Roxxi, it is designed to give patients a sense of power and control over the disease and help them understand why they must have certain treatments and what those treatments will do. But games are not just for kids.

A recent report by analysts at Ernst and Young on trends in the global life science sector noted the rise of gamification in health and hailed its great potential.

“We enjoy playing games - they motivate us and give us feelings of accomplishment, purpose and social connectivity,” the report said.

In a chapter dedicated to gamification, J. Leighton Read, a U.S. expert on health games argued that “at a time when health care is focussed on outcomes and seeking sustainability, the

case for gamification has never been stronger.” But can Big Pharma, traditionally so conservative and hampered by stricter marketing regulations than many other sectors, really win from this game? Bayer, one of the early enthusiasts, now has some doubts. A spokeswoman for the German firm said it was no longer promoting the Didget monitor because of concerns about whether encouraging children to stay indoors playing computer games was the right health message to send out.

Since gamification is relatively new in health care, and even newer in the pharma sector, follow-up studies on its effects are sparse.

But research published in the journal Pediatrics found that children who played Re-Mission showed improved behavioural and psychological factors linked with successful cancer treatment. Kieran Walsh, clinical director of BMJ Learning, an education division of the British Medical Journal group, says he’s “not an enormous fan” of the term gamification because he fears it can sometimes trivialise medical education.— Reuters

The exterior of Pfizer in Groton, Connecticut. Shares of Pfizer Inc and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co fell Monday after federal regulators unexpectedly delayed for a second time a decision on whether to approve the companies’ highly touted experimental anti-clotting drug Eliquis. — AP

US healthcare reform plans through history WASHINGTON: The Supreme Court’s upcoming ruling on President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul law comes after a century of debate over what role the government should play in helping people in the United States afford medical care. A look at the issue through the years: 1912: Former President Theodore Roosevelt champions national health insurance as he unsuccessfully tries to ride his progressive Bull Moose Party back to the White House.

1929: Baylor Hospital in Texas originates group health insurance. Dallas teachers pay 50 cents a month to cover up to 21 days of hospital care per year.

1935: President Franklin D. Roosevelt favors creating national health insurance amid the Great Depression but decides to push for Social Security first.

1942: Roosevelt establishes wage and price controls during World War II. Businesses can’t attract workers with higher pay so they compete through added benefits, including health insurance, which grows into a workplace perk.

1945: President Harry Truman calls on Congress to create a national insurance program for those who pay voluntar y fees. The American Medical Association denounces the idea as “socialized medicine” and it goes nowhere.

1960: John F. Kennedy makes health care a major campaign issue but as president can’t get a plan for the elderly through Congress. 1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson’s legendary armtwisting and a Congress dominated by his fellow Democrats lead to creation of two landmark government health programs: Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for the poor.

1974: President Richard Nixon wants to require employers to cover their workers and create federal subsidies to help everyone else buy private insurance. The Watergate scandal intervenes.

1976: President Jimmy Carter pushes a mandatory national health plan, but economic recession helps push it aside.

1986: President Ronald Reagan signs COBRA, a requirement that employers let former workers stay on the company

health plan for 18 months after leaving a job, with workers bearing the cost.

1988: Congress expands Medicare by adding a prescription drug benefit and catastrophic care coverage. It doesn’t last long. Barraged by protests from older Americans upset about paying a tax to finance the additional coverage, Congress repeals the law the next year.

1993: President Bill Clinton puts first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in charge of developing what becomes a 1,300page plan for universal coverage. It requires businesses to cover their workers and mandates that everyone have health insurance. The plan meets Republican opposition, divides Democrats and comes under a firestorm of lobbying from businesses and the health care industr y. It dies in the Senate.

1997: Clinton signs bipartisan legislation creating a state-federal program to provide coverage for millions of children in families of modest means whose incomes are too high to qualify for Medicaid.

2003: President George W. Bush persuades Congress to add prescription drug coverage to Medicare in a major expansion of the program for older people.

2008: Hillary Rodham Clinton promotes a sweeping health care plan in her bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. She loses to Obama, who has a less comprehensive plan.

2009: Obama and the Democraticcontrolled Congress spend an intense year ironing out legislation to require most companies to cover their workers; mandate that everyone have coverage or pay a fine; require insurance companies to accept all comers, regardless of any pre-existing conditions; and assist people who can’t afford insurance.

2010: With no Republican support, Congress passes the measure, designed to extend health care coverage to more than 30 million uninsured people.

Republican opponents scorned the law as “Obamacare.”

2012: On a campaign tour in the Midwest, Obama himself embraces the term “Obamacare” and says the law shows “I do care.” —AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

2009 swine flu outbreak was 15 times deadlier, says study Up to 579,000 deaths, not 18,500

QUETTA: A Pakistani paramilitary soldier stands guard near a burning pile of seized drugs during a ceremony to mark the United Nations International Anti-Drugs Day on the outskirts of Quetta yesterday. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) issued an annual report declaring Pakistan a poppy free country but said it is used as a route for smuggling of drugs worth $30 billion from Afghanistan. — AFP

Care centres deny elderly the right to sex: Paper PARIS: Care facilities often deny elderly people the basic right, and one of their few remaining pleasures, to continue having sex, according to a paper published yesterday.

Many older people, including those with early stage dementia, enjoy sex while they live at home, but this changes once they move into residential care, said the Australian authors of a paper in the Journal of Medical Ethics. They blame a lack of privacy, age discrimination and fears about the legal implications should a patient be found mentally incompetent to give consent. “The formation of relationships, physical intimacy and the expression of sexuality are a basic human right and a normal and healthy part of ageing,” wrote the authors from the Australian Centre for Evidence-Based Aged Care. Yet most facilities do not have formal policy guidelines or staff training aimed at allowing residents to continue being sexually active.

“Privacy remains a problem, with residents

often not able to lock their doors and most rooms equipped only with single beds,” said the paper. “For residents with dementia, sexuality is viewed with even greater anxiety, either being labelled ‘inappropriate’ or a ‘challenging’ behavior or as a risk to the resident.”

The team acknowledged the difficulties in determining the legal threshold for informed consent in elderly patients with dementia, but argued this should not be an excuse for denying them their rights.

“It is important to remember that dementia is defined in stages, with early or mild dementia manifesting as mild forgetfulness or confusion that is often mistaken for a normal part of ageing,” they wrote. “Clearly there is a significant difference between the capabilities of a person with mild dementia and one with advanced or final-stage dementia and, therefore, a single approach to sexuality and ‘people with dementia’ is inappropriate.” —AFP

NEW YORK: The swine flu pandemic of 2009 killed an estimated 284,500 people, some 15 times the number confirmed by laboratory tests at the time, according to a new study by an international group of scientists.

The study, published yesterday in the London-based journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, said the toll might have been even higher - as many as 579,000 people. The original count, compiled by the World Health Organization, put the number at 18,500.

Those were only the deaths confirmed by lab testing, which the WHO itself warned was a gross underestimate because the deaths of people without access to the health system go uncounted, and because the virus is not always detectable after a victim dies.

The new study also shows the pandemic’s impact varied widely by region, with 51 percent of swine flu deaths occurring in Africa and southeast Asia, which account for only 38 percent of the world’s population. “This pandemic really did take an enormous toll,” said Dr. Fatimah Dawood of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who led the study. “Our results also suggest how best to deploy resources. If a vaccine were to become available, we need to make sure it reached the areas where the death toll is likely to be highest.”

Swine flu, caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, infected its first known victim in central Mexico in March 2009. By April it had reached California, infecting a 10-year-old, and then quickly spread around the world, triggering fears and even panic.

The CDC warned Americans not to travel to Mexico if they could avoid it. Egypt ordered the slaughter of all the country’s pigs in a misguided attempt to contain the virus, which was in fact spread from person to person. The fears reflected the unusual nature of the virus, which contained bits and pieces of bird, swine and human flu viruses, a combination never before detected. Scientists were unsure how transmis-

sible or deadly this mongrel flu would be, but early signs were ominous: the World Health Organization declared swine flu a pandemic in June 2009, when labs had identified cases in 74 countries.

Such lab-based identification is the gold standard, but every expert acknowledges that it misses more cases than it catches. One reason is that “some people who contract flu do not have access to health care,” said CDC’s Dawood, so their illness and even death goes unnoticed by authorities. Another reason is that the virus is not always detectable by the time a victim dies.

LACK OF DATA To get around these obstacles, epidemiologists resort to statistical models. They typically take the number of deaths from pneumonia and complications of underlying cardiovascular disease - both caused by influenza - during nonflu periods, count the number during a pandemic, and attribute the excess to the flu.

Unfortunately, “vital statistics data are nonexistent or sparse in many lower-resource countries,” said Dawood, making this approach infeasible. Dawood and her colleagues - from Vietnam, Kenya, New Zealand, Denmark and five other countries - tried a different method.

They started with hard data, such as numbers from health workers going door to door in rural villages and asking about flu-like symptoms and testing nasal and throat swab samples, to estimate the proportion of a country’s population infected with 2009 H1N1. Such data were available from 13 countries - wealthy, such as Denmark, and poor, like Vietnam.

Then the scientists estimated the fraction of patients who died in each country. They started with solid data on death rates from respiratory illnesses in five wealthy nations.

Since someone with, say, pneumonia has a lower chance of dying if treated in a top hospital in Hong Kong than at a rural clinic in Vietnam, the scientists applied a “multiplier” to

the raw data from poor countries. That is, they assumed that more people with flu-caused pneumonia died in developing nations than developed ones. These estimates and assumptions can introduce errors, critics note. Newly released mor tality data from Mexico, for instance, show that H1N1 killed even more people than the new study estimates, said Lone Simonsen of George Washington University School of Public Health, co-author of a commentary on the study. Estimates of deaths from Japan and Singapore, in contrast, may be too high.

Overall, however, the under- and over-estimates probably even out, said Simonsen, making the global estimate - of 15 times more deaths than those confirmed at the time - about right. The results paint a picture of a flu virus that did not treat all victims equally.

It killed two to three times as many of its victims in Africa as elsewhere. Overall, the virus infected children most (4 percent to 33 percent), adults moderately (0 to 22 percent of those 18 to 64) and the elderly hardly at all (0 to 4 percent).

Even though the elderly were more likely to die once infected, so few caught the virus that 80 percent of swine flu deaths were of people younger than 65.

In contrast, the elderly account for roughly 80 percent to 90 percent of deaths from seasonal influenza outbreaks. They were probably spared the worst of 2009 H1N1 because the virus resembled one that had circulated before 1957, meaning people alive then had developed some antibodies to it.

The relative youth of the victims meant that H1N1 stole more than three times as many years of life than typical seasonal flu: 9.7 million years of life lost compared to 2.8 million if it had targeted the elderly as seasonal flu does.

H1N1 had begun petering out by November 2009, and the WHO declared the epidemic at an end the following August. —Reuters

FDA probes safety issues with metal hip implants WASHINGTON: Metal hip replacements implanted in a half-million Americans may be failing earlier than expected, but it could be years before US health regulators have a clear picture of the problem. The Food and Drug Administration holds a two-day meeting starting Wednesday to scrutinize the safety of metal-on-metal hip implants, following years of patient reports of pain and swelling that sometimes requires removal of the devices. It is a challenging, but familiar, predicament for the FDA: reviewing the safety of a device that was expected to be superior, but which may actually be more dangerous than what came before.

For decades nearly all orthopedic implants were made from plastic or ceramic. But in the last 10 years some surgeons began to favor implants made with metal stems and sockets.

Laboratory tests suggested the devices would be more resistant to wear and reduce the chances of dislocation.

But recent data gathered by surgeons in the UK appears to show just the opposite. In March, British experts at the

world’s largest artificial joint registry told doctors to stop using metal-on-metal hip replacements, citing an analysis showing they have to be replaced more often than other implants. Hip replacements are supposed to last between 10 to 15 years, but more than 6 percent of patients with metal hips needed them replaced after less than five years. That compared with just 2 percent of people who had ceramic or plastic joints. Both types of devices are prescribed for people suffering hip pain and limited movement due to arthritis or injury.

British regulators now recommend that people who have the implants get yearly blood tests to make sure no dangerous metals are seeping into their bodies as the components rub against each other.

The FDA has not made any recommendations of its own for the estimated 500,000 American patients with the devices. FDA scientists say they want to consider all available information before making their recommendations - not just the data from the UK. “Why look at a single registry when

there’s data from around the world?” said Dr. William Maisel, FDA’s chief scientist for medical devices, in an interview with the Associated Press. “This is an opportunity for us to look at all the available information so that we can have a thoughtful conversation about what clinical recommendations can be made.”

Maisel said the FDA is working to combine data from foreign countries and the US to determine which groups of patients and implants are most problematic. Today and tomorrow the FDA will ask a panel of experts to recommend the best practices for monitoring patients with the devices. Panelists will consider blood tests, medical imaging and laboratory tests. But some US orthopedic specialists say they have already reached their own conclusions about metal hips. “In my personal opinion there is very little room, if any, for metalon-metal implants because the alternatives we have on the market are likely safer and as effective,” said Dr. Art Sedrakyan, professor of public health at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. The FDA’s deliberative approach to

tackling the hip implant issue is in some ways a necessity. Unlike other countries, the US has no national registry to track the performance of implants over time.

The FDA received 16,800 negative event reports involving metal hips between 2000 and 2011, but regulators stress that number is not very useful.

Many doctors do not report problems to the FDA, and the volume of reports is influenced by news reports on safety issues.

A registr y set up by Minnesota’s HealthEast Care System recorded four times as many replacement surgeries for patients with metal-on-metal hips as those with other implant types.

However, a similar registry set up by health care provider Kaiser Permanente found no difference between the two groups. With little definitive data on US hip implants, the agency has asked manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson, Zimmer Holdings Inc. and Biomet Inc. to conduct long-term, follow-up studies of more than 100 metal-on-metal hips on the US market.

FDA scientists say the studies will

help “fill in the blanks” on a number of scientific questions, including the effects of metal particles that often seep into the bloodstream as the implants wear down. But Sedrakyan and others say it could be a decade or more before that information is available. In a commentary published last week in the New England Journal of Medicine, Sedrakyan and two co-authors pointed out those studies must run at least eight years to return the information FDA is seeking.

Based on the authors’ analysis of FDA records, the FDA has reached agreements on the design of less than 25 percent of the studies, and it’s unclear whether any of the studies have actually begun. The FDA notified the companies last May. The prospect of safety findings arriving in eight or 10 years is little comfort to patients like Mary Weaver, 48, who had both hips replaced with a metal implant from Johnson & Johnson in 2007 and 2008. J&J recalled the ASR hip replacement in 2010, after reports that it was failing in some patients after only a few years of implantation.—AP

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

WHAT’S ON

Announcements Open House for Indian citizens pen House for Indian citizens by the ambassador which is being held every alternate Wednesday has been found useful by the Indian community and the embassy. It will now be held on every Wednesday from June 2012 between 1500 hrs and 1600 hrs. in the embassy. During the month of June, 2012 the dates for the open house fall on 20th and 27th of the month. In case Wednesday is an embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day.

To ensure timely action/follow-up by the embassy, it is requested that, wherever possible, Indian citizens should exhaust the existing channels of interaction/grievance redressal and bring their problems/issues in writing with supporting documents. It may be mentioned that embassy of Indiaís Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizens on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the Consular Officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall.

For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) could be contacted. Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances. Similarly, a labour wing Help Desk functions from 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs in the Labour Hall to address the labour related issues. There is also a 24x7 Help Line (Tel No. 25674163) to assist labourers in distress. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned attaches in the labour section and the head of the labour wing could be contacted.

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Malayalam classes begin in Abbasiya lasses for learning Malayalam started in Abbasiya by Kala (Art) Kuwait, Abbasiya Unit. The inaugural ceremony was held in Abbasiya during which Lissy Kuriakose, Poet, opened the class.

The function was welcomed by Kala (Art) Kuwait General Secretary Jaison Joseph

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and presided by President Sam Kutty Thomas. Babuji Batheri, Social Activist and Kala(Art) Kuwait Executive Members Mukesh VP, K Hassan Koya, K Sadik, parent’s representative Jaison Jacob, Krishna Prasad addressed the function.

Literary Secretary A Mohanan delivered

Aware Diwaniya he AWARE Center cordially invites interested Western expatriates to its diwaniya presentation entitled, “You and the environment: how can you make a difference?” by Dr Mohammed AlFurgi.

Environmental issues are sometimes classified as academic or elite issues and we may feel that we as individuals do not have a role to play. We do have a role to play in improving our environment and an important one indeed. We (the individuals) are by far the majority and we are the ones that dictate what will happen to our environment. We are targeted as consumers and by making the right choice we could force the producers to change their products. Kuwait a country with a relatively small population but high consumption rate suffers from environmental problems, and we as citizens or residents could make a difference in alleviating these problems through simple practices. What can citizens and residents do to reduce littering and conserve water and energy? In his 25-minute presentation, Alforgi will discuss these questions and many more.

Dr. Alforgi graduated from the University of Tulsa, Tulsa Oklahoma with a B.Sc. in Petroleum Engineering and an M.S. in engineering management. He also holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Wyoming, USA. Dr. Alforgi has taught petroleum engineering at the College of Technological Studies in Kuwait, as well as at universities in Libya, the United Arab Emirates and Wyoming. He was a chairman of the Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology, at the College of Technological Studies. He wrote several papers on petroleum economics and takes deep interest in socio-economic changes that occur due to this particular resource.

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Summer Scrabble for kids ood news for kids still here during the summer vacations. You can join up with me to learn some tricks, tips and how to play Scrabble the right way! Need to know more? Then register with me Rohaina at 66634224 or at rainaveer@hotmail.com. You will be given Scrabble boards and have loads of fun games, mind games and quizzes. If this sounds fun, then call soon. Classes will end on July 26th.

Classes are on Thursdays ONLY and from 2.30 4.00 pm. Loads of fun and games in store.

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Those who are willing to attend the class may contact these phone numbers.

97959072 (Jaison), 97982935 (Hassan Koya) & by e-mail kalakuwait@gmail.com.

Ragolsavam-2012 event anithavedi Kuwait, the leading socio cultural organization for the welfare of women in Kuwait has announced their mega event ‘RAGOLSAVAM-2012’ to be held on 28 September 2012 at Indian Community School Khaitan. Organizing committee is formed with Santha R Nair (General Convenor) and subcommittee conveners as Sajitha Skaraia (Souvenir) Sumathi Babu (Treasurer), Prasanna Ramabhadran (Programme) Sobha Suresh (Finance) Valsa Stanley (Reception), Rema Ajith and Valsa Sam (Publicity). Santha R Nair described the details and intentions of the program

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‘Leniency of Islam’ An unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al-Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait.

Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to- 97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane - a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

Free Arabic course IPC is opening an Intensive Basic Arabic Course for ladies commencing from June 3 to July 8, 2012. The class will be from 5-7 pm for three days a week.

Registration is on! For information, call 22512257.

the vote of thanks. The class would be run and coached by Prince Mathew and Jiji Shaji. The classes target the Keralite students in Kuwait who are willing to learn their mother tongue since they have no such facility in their schools here. The course is free to all students.

and the first copy of the program flyer was released by K Jayakumar. The vacation computer education program another charming program of Vanithavedi for the women community in Kuwait was inaugurated by the leader of KALA Sam Pynummoodu.

Several members of Vanithavedi as well as KALA-Kuwait participated in the function.

AUK receives Kuwait Central Blood Bank Award s part the Kuwait Central Blood Bank (KCBB) celebrations of the World Blood Donor Day, the American University of Kuwait (AUK) received an award on its contributions to blood drive campaigns in Kuwait.

Hala Ahmad, AUK student, received the award on behalf of AUK at the awards night held on June14. During the event, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Dr Qais Al Duwairi, praised the efforts of the blood donors from governmental and civil organizations who contributed to promoting a culture of blood donation in Kuwait.

From her side, the Director of Medical and Donor Affairs at KCBB, Rana Al-Abdulrazzak commented on the event saying “KCBB has

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been celebrating this occasion since 2004, each year under a different slogan”. She also mentioned that this year’s awards have been granted to 40 donors, each of whom has donated at least 70 times. The Voice of AUK, the university’s official student newspaper has been holding annual blood drives since 2008. The idea of blood drives was originally conceived by the AUK alumna, Dina El Zohairy, to raise awareness among the community about the importance of donating blood to help make it readily available for cancer, trauma and post-surgical patients, among others.

This year, the 5th Annual Blood Drive, held at the AUK campus last April, managed

to attract around 170 blood donors. The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found atwww.auk.edu.kw

Seminar on ‘LED and Green Technologies’ he Sun light was fading, but the area were lit bright at Holiday Inn Down Town Kuwait due to the seminar organized by Institutions of Engineers (India) on “LED - Green Technologies” for its learned members on 20th June 2012.

The event was sponsored by Alghanim Debbas - a renowned company celebrating its hundred years of existence in the business “LIGHT”. The technical seminar started at 7.05 PM and was attended by an impressive numbers of members and guests. The Banquet hall was fully packed by the technocrats and engineers who converged to the venue to gain knowledge and share their experience on the new emerging, green lighting technologyLED. Engr Rishabh Nath Jain, unveiled the function by inviting the dignitaries on to the stage and requesting the Chairman of IEI to present his inaugural address.

Chairman Engr Joseph Panicker briefed in short about IEI and IEI - Kuwait chapter activities and thanked Alghanim Debbas Group for organizing the fully sponsored technical seminar for the benefit of the IEI - Engineering fraternity to enrich their knowledge on the new emerging Green Lighting Technology - LED. Engr Rishabh Nath Jain thanked the chairman for his inaugural speech and invited Engr Wassim Shahhal, General Manager of Alghanim Debbas, to address the elite gathering. The General Manger briefed about the Debbas Group, which is celebrating its Centenary/ Platinum Jubilee of existence since 1910 and explained that the company brought light to the region before electricity came to the region.

He elaborated on the various manufacturing facilities, Research and development centers, and the network of Debbas in the region and around the globe. He detailed about how the group is maintaining its leadership in the Lighting Industry by adapting to the changing green technologies like LED. While concluding, Engr Wassim Shahhal expressed his happiness that Debbas Group was able to sponsor the technical seminar to the members of the Institution of Engineers (India), which was organized very professionally.

Dr S Neelamani, Senior Scientist KISR, Executive member of IEI in-charge for the Seminars and professional development of its members, introduced the first speaker of the seminar Engr. Daniel Decombe.

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Director of Debbas Factories France, who has come all the way from France for presenting the seminar, Engr. Daniel Decombe, was very delighted to see such an August gathering of the Technocrats and Engineers and shared his pleasant feelings about Kuwait people and its sunny climate, which he cherished a lot as this was his maiden visit to Kuwait and to the region.

He explained about the facilities of the

group across the countries, which employs the State- of-Art Technologies in their design and manufacturing of quality products to suit the needs of their worldwide customers and custom made for large projects. The presentation ended with a video show of the fully equipped Debbas’s design and manufacturing facilities at their various locations. Dr S Neelamani, thanked the first speaker Engr. Daniel Decombe for the interesting

explanation of the facilities of Debbas group and invited the second speaker Engr. Maxime L ‘Haridon, Head of French R &D, ARLUS France, to present on the LED technologies. Engr Maxime, explained in detail the various process involved in the LED light fittings and showed slides of the products that were marketed by Debbas Group.

He showed comparison on the efficiency, CRI, payback and cost benefit analysis for LED products. Engr. Maxime insisted that LED will be the future technology for the lighting, as it provides greater efficiencies, lower maintenance costs and it reduces the energy consumptions, there by making it environmental friendly, green technology products. The R & D Engineer admitted that currently the initial costs of the LED products are slightly expensive than the traditional light fittings but stated as the demand for the products increases the cost will be reduce.

After the presentation the house was open for questions, the speakers and Mr. George El Hajj, Regional Director, Debbas Group clarified many queries of the Engineers. The question and answers were very interesting as the speakers took each question with great technical detail and replied to them professionally.

As the allotted time was over, the session was concluded at 8.30 PM by Engr.

Rishabh Nath Jain. Engr Kannan, General Secretary IEI Kuwait chapter, proposed vote of thanks, he profusely thanked Debbas Group for organizing the fully sponsored seminar and he poured largesses on the speakers for the valuable contributions in enlightening the Engineers on the LED products.

He thanked the IEI committee members for their efforts in organizing a successful event, the Holiday Inn staff for their timely and efficient services, the press for covering the event and last but not the least, the participant members for sparing their valuable time and who have come all their way for gaining knowledge from the seminar. He listed the upcoming events for the month of July 2012, which includes a seminar by Dr Rumane, ExChairman of IEI and the science club activities. He invited everybody to join for a taste buds stimulating Dinner.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

WHAT’S ON

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian ConsulateGeneral in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency.

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EMBASSY OF BRITAIN

The Aquapark hosted a festival featuring the Kuwaiti Stars Group, which included competitions and various other activities for visitors of all ages. The event took place in cooperation with Kuwait TV.

Please be advised that the British Embassy Consular Section will be starting online appointment booking for our consular customers from Sunday, July 1, 2012. All information including how to make an appointment will be available on the embassy website from June 24, 2012. You will also be able to book appointments on the embassy website from June 24, 2012. Please be aware that from July 1, 2012, we will no longer accept walk-in customers. We will provide regular updates every Thursdays throughout June. For the latest FCO travel advice please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/traveladvice-by-country/middle-east-north-africa/kuwait ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KOREA The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref. New Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6 The Embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Saturday to Thursday Morning: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Lunch Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform Kenyan residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that with effect from June 1, 2012 the Embassy has moved from its current location to a new location in Surra Block 1, Street 8, Villa 303.

Please note that the new telephone and fax numbers will be communicated as soon as possible. For enquiries you can contact Consular Section on mobile 90935162 or 97527306.

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IKEA Kuwait holds internal workshop

EMBASSY OF MEXICO The Embassy of Mexico is pleased to inform that it is located in CLIFFS Complex, Villa 6, Salmiya, block 9, Baghdad street, Jadda Lane 7. The working hours for consular issues are from 9:00 to 12:00 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 14:00 to 15:00 hours for lunch break. The Embassy of Mexico kindly requests all Mexicans citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the e-mail: embkuwait@sre.gob.mx in order to register or update contact information. Other consultations or/and appointments could be done by telephone or fax: (+965) 2573 1952 ■■■■■■■

KEA Kuwait was recently visited by its Swedish counterparts for the first time to impart a deeper insight into the IKEA brand and the core values that drive the workforce toward achieving a satisfactory end - result. The team discussed various aspects during the 3 day brand training program that would help to build a stronger foundation across the different departments ranging from sales, human resources, logistics,

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accounting, and communications to food & beverage and so on.

The employees were encouraged to function according to the principles by which the IKEA founder himself, Ingvar Kamprad followed through to make the company a success. The employees underwent a series of exercises that further demonstrated the brands qualities and how to develop each division in achieving the ultimate goal. The highly

interactive workshop was also designed to understand the nature of the local consumers and how their tastes and preferences are to be considered when introducing new a product line.

IKEA’s ongoing fundamental objective has always been simple and achievable worldwide and that is to offer a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at prices so low that as many people as possible will

be able to afford them. The Swedish trainers ended by saying that every staff member is a brand advocate and that IKEA Kuwait should continue to provide a world class branded customer experience while also delivering exceptional product quality and durability in order to sustain the momentum.

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, AlSalaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location.

Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com

KKMCC marks ‘Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet’ ne of the active District committees, of the 7,000-strong member based non-profit socio-cultural organization Kuwait Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre’s Kannur District Committee has hosted a remembrance convention of “the Islam’s most spectacular event named as “The Night Journey and

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Ascension of the Prophet”. The president, Dr Ghalib Al-Mashoor in his address said that on the 27th of the lunar month of Rajab,(the 7th month of Islamic calendar) Muslims remember Al-Isra and Miraj, the miraculous Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and

blessings be upon him).

Accordingly, KKMCC members should also show respect and preserve all the Islamic symbols in different occasions. Dr Al-Mashoor reiterated that this is the responsibility of Ummathu Sayyiduna Mohammed to convey the message of peace to the universe to the believers and non-

believers. wherever we go, we should preserve the Islamic identities and forbid evil thinking.

Advocate Sayid Nizar Thangal inaugurated the function. He addressed the audience while saying that the fact Prophet Muhammad was sent to all mankind, not just to

particular tribes or people. The universality of Prophet’s message is also brought to the fore. It is important to reflect upon why Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem was chosen as the place for the Prophet to travel to and also to begin his ascension to the heavens.

Firstly, the Holy Land enjoys a special significance in relation to the phenomenon of ascension to heaven. It is from this place that Jesus ascended (having not been killed according to the Holy Quran) and it is said that the gate by which supplications enter the higher realms is also located above Jerusalem.

Another important point is that by linking Jerusalem to Makkah, the fact that the ‘one God worshipping’ messages of different prophets came from the same source is highlighted.

Shaikh Hamza Baqawi, was the main speaker of the event. In his key note address about “The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet” he said that this is a true event that occurred physically without any doubt. It happened while Prophet Mohammed was suffering in order to give glad tidings.

Indian filmmaker Kamal inaugurates Johnson Nite on June 24 in memory of late musician Johnson. The memoriam function, conceived and conducted by Mangaf-based drama activist Babu Chakola honored Artist Sujathan, Fr Davis Chiramel and Raju Chirackal for their contributions to the field of art.

Competitions in Patriotic songs ndo-Kuwait Friendship Society, Kuwait (www.indokuwaitfriendshipsociety.com) is planning to conduct competitions in Indian and Kuwaiti Patriotic songs. This is the first time in Kuwait, an Indian Association is organizing contests in “Patriotic Songs” for both Indian and Kuwaiti School students. The first 3 places will be declared separately by Judges who are experts in Indian and Kuwaiti Patriotic songs. Several prizes and awards will be handed over for the winning schools. Pradeep Rajkumar

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and A K S Abdul Nazar said that IKFS wants let our children learn what they mean as a “Patriotic” to their home country. 4 pages of spot Essay competition related to “Patriotism” also will be held in the same day as a spot registration. 1 Girl and 1 Boy student from each School can participate in the ESSAY contest. Dr. Mohamed Tareq, Chairman of the First Indian Model School in Kuwait “ Salmiya Indian Model School (SIMS) already confirmed as a Co-Sponsor of the Program.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 01:40 02:35 03:30 04:25 05:20 05:45 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:25 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:10 10:05 11:00 11:55 12:50 13:45 14:10 14:40 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:25 18:20 18:45 19:15 19:40 20:10 20:35 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:50

Untamed & Uncut I’m Alive Extreme Animals World Wild Vet Natural World Cheetah Kingdom Predator’s Prey Safari Vet School Safari Vet School Escape To Chimp Eden Project Puppy Jeff Corwin Unleashed Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild Breed All About It Bad Dog Natural World Animal Precinct Animal Cops Philadelphia Cell Dogs Bondi Vet Wildlife SOS Natural World Cheetah Kingdom Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild The Planet’s Funniest Animals Dogs 101 Extraordinary Dogs Extraordinary Dogs Wildlife SOS Bondi Vet Escape To Chimp Eden Predator’s Prey Natural World Monster Bug Wars Wildest India Animal Cops Miami

00:35 Indian Food Made Easy 01:05 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 01:30 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 01:55 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 02:20 MasterChef 03:15 Living In The Sun 04:10 Rachel’s Favourite Food For Living 04:35 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 05:00 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 05:25 James Martin’s Favourite Feasts 05:50 Indian Food Made Easy 06:15 Living In The Sun 07:10 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 07:35 MasterChef Australia 08:20 MasterChef Australia 09:05 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 09:30 Bargain Hunt 10:15 Antiques Roadshow 11:05 Come Dine With Me 11:50 10 Years Younger 12:40 What Not To Wear 13:30 What Not To Wear 14:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 15:10 Bargain Hunt 15:55 Antiques Roadshow 16:45 The Boss Is Coming To Dinner 17:10 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Delicious Iceland 18:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 19:00 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 19:30 James Martin’s Favourite Feasts 19:55 Antiques Roadshow 20:45 What Not To Wear 21:35 What Not To Wear 22:25 Bargain Hunt 23:10 Antiques Roadshow

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:00 05:25 05:50

Duck Dodgers The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo The Jetsons Puppy In My Pocket Popeye Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes Scooby Doo Where Are You! Droopy: Master Detective Wacky Races The Flintstones A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Popeye Classics

06:00 06:30 06:55 07:20 07:45 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:40 12:00 12:15 12:40 12:55 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:30 17:55 18:10 19:00 19:15 19:40 19:55 20:20 20:35 20:55 21:20 21:45 22:10 22:35 23:00 23:20 23:45

Dexters Laboratory Bananas In Pyjamas Baby Looney Tunes Gerald McBoing Boing Ha Ha Hairies Pink Panther And Pals The Garfield Show Dastardly And Muttley A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Flintstones Duck Dodgers Tom & Jerry Kids Droopy: Master Detective Wacky Races Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies The Garfield Show Scooby Doo Where Are You! Dastardly And Muttley Looney Tunes Puppy In My Pocket Pink Panther And Pals Pink Panther And Pals Tom & Jerry The Garfield Show The Garfield Show Dexter’s Laboratory Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Pink Panther And Pals Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes Scooby Doo Where Are You! Droopy: Master Detective The Flintstones Wacky Races Dastardly And Muttley New Yogi Bear Show

00:30 Bakugan: New Vestroia 00:55 Bakugan: New Vestroia 01:20 Powerpuff Girls 02:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Ben 10 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Powerpuff Girls 04:40 Generator Rex 05:05 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:55 Angelo Rules 06:00 Casper’s Scare School 06:25 Eliot Kid 07:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 07:15 Adventure Time 07:40 Regular Show 08:05 Grim Adventures Of...

08:55 Courage The Cowardly Dog 09:45 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:10 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:35 Powerpuff Girls 11:25 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 11:50 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 12:15 Ed, Edd n Eddy 13:05 Ben 10: Alien Force 13:30 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 13:55 Camp Lazlo 14:45 Powerpuff Girls 15:35 Angelo Rules 16:25 The Marvelous Misadventures...

16:50 Grim Adventures Of...

17:15 The Amazing World Of Gumball 17:40 Adventure Time 18:05 Regular Show 18:30 Ben 10 18:55 Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge 19:20 Hero 108 19:45 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 20:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:00 Ben 10: Alien Force 21:25 The Powerpuff Girls 21:50 Cow And Chicken 22:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Ben 10 23:40 Chowder

00:00 Amanpour 00:30 World Sport 01:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 02:00 World Report 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Quest Means Business 06:00 The Situation Room 07:00 World Sport 07:30 The Royals 08:00 World Report 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 Inside Africa 11:00 World Business Today 12:00 Amanpour 12:30 Leading Women 12:45 Future Cities 13:00 World One 14:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 15:00 News Stream 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 Global Exchange 19:00 World Sport 19:30 Leading Women 19:45 Future Cities 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 Amanpour 22:30 CNN Newscenter 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

00:15 00:40 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 Shine 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 14:35 15:05 16:00 Shine 16:55 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

One Way Out Behind Bars Rattlesnake Republic Finding Bigfoot Wreckreation Nation Behind Bars How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Gold Rush Hot Rod Apprentice: Hard

00:35 01:25 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:05 07:00 07:50 07:53 08:20 08:50 09:40 10:30 10:55 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:45

Man Made Marvels Asia Colony Stuck With Hackett Stuck With Hackett The Gadget Show Smash Lab Race To Mars Man Made Marvels Asia What’s That About?

Catch It Keep It Head Rush Bang Goes The Theory Sci-Fi Science Sport Science Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Man Made Marvels Asia Catch It Keep It Scrapheap Challenge Race To Mars Smash Lab

BLOOD OUT ON OSN ACTION HD

Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Dirty Dozen Mythbusters Border Security Auction Kings Ultimate Survival Hot Rod Apprentice: Hard Wheeler Dealers Gold Rush Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Border Security Auction Kings South Beach Classics Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Dirty Dozen Mythbusters

15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Bang Goes The Theory 16:30 Sci-Fi Science 17:00 What’s That About?

17:50 Sport Science 18:40 Race To Mars 19:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 20:20 Prophets Of Science Fiction 21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 The Gadget Show 22:00 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 22:50 Prophets Of Science Fiction 23:40 Sport Science

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:20 04:45 05:10 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:35 06:50 07:00 07:15 07:30 07:55 08:10 08:20 08:30 08:45 09:10 09:35 10:00 11:20 11:40 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:00 16:15 16:40 17:00 18:20 18:45 19:05 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 22:10 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45

Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mouk Fish Hooks Good Luck Charlie Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Jessie Jessie Austin & Ally Aladdin & The King Of Thieves Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb So Random So Random The Suite Life Movie Wizards Of Waverly Place Jessie Cars Toons A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie So Random Aladdin & The King Of Thieves A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Kim Possible

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:20 American Dragon 06:45 Rekkit Rabbit 07:10 Pokemon: Black And White 07:35 Phineas And Ferb 08:00 Phineas And Ferb 08:25 Pair Of Kings 08:50 Kickin It 09:15 Kickin It 09:40 Kickin It 10:05 Kickin It 10:30 Kickin It 10:55 Zeke & Luther 11:20 Rated A For Awesome 11:45 Rekkit Rabbit 12:10 Pair Of Kings 12:35 Kick Buttowski 13:00 Phineas And Ferb 13:10 Phineas And Ferb 13:25 Phineas And Ferb 13:45 Scaredy Squirrel 14:10 I’m In The Band 14:35 Zeke & Luther 15:00 Pokemon: Black And White 15:25 Rekkit Rabbit 15:50 Rated A For Awesome 16:15 Kickin It 16:40 Pair Of Kings 17:05 Zeke & Luther 17:30 Scaredy Squirrel 17:55 Phineas And Ferb 18:20 Phineas And Ferb 18:45 I’m In The Band 19:10 Kick Buttowski 19:35 Pair Of Kings 20:00 Zeke & Luther 20:25 Phineas And Ferb 20:50 Kid vs Kat 21:15 Aaron Stone 21:40 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 22:05 Phineas And Ferb 22:30 Kid vs Kat 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:55 Style Star 01:25 50 Most Insane Celebrity Oops 03:15 Behind The Scenes 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 10:15 50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up 12:05 E! News 13:05 Kendra 13:35 Kendra 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:35 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 15:00 Style Star 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Dirty Soap 17:55 E! News 18:55 THS 19:55 Ice Loves Coco 20:25 Ice Loves Coco 20:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

21:25 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:30 The Haunted 01:20 A Haunting 02:05 Killer Kids 02:55 Deadly Women 03:45 Dr G: Medical Examiner 04:30 The Haunted 05:20 A Haunting 06:10 Disappeared 07:00 Forensic Detectives 07:50 Undercover 08:40 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 09:30 Real Emergency Calls 09:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

10:20 On The Case With Paula Zahn 11:10 Disappeared 12:00 Street Patrol 12:25 Street Patrol 12:50 Undercover 13:40 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 14:30 Real Emergency Calls 14:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

15:20 On The Case With Paula Zahn 16:10 Disappeared 17:00 Forensic Detectives 17:50 Undercover 18:40 Real Emergency Calls 19:05 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 19:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

20:20 On The Case With Paula Zahn 21:10 Disappeared 22:00 American Greed 22:50 American Greed 23:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 Welcome To L.A.-18 01:40 Mgm’s Big Screen-FAM 01:55 Cold Heaven 03:35 Go Fish 05:00 The January Man-PG 06:35 Body And Soul-18 08:10 Asteroid-U 10:15 Vera Cruz-PG 11:45 Joey-PG 13:20 Three-PG 15:05 Dust Factory-PG 16:45 Killing Mr. Griffin-PG 18:15 Mgm’s Big Screen-FAM 18:30 A Woman’s Tale 20:05 Twice Told Tales 22:00 Brannigan-PG 23:50 Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia

00:00 Adventure Wanted 01:00 Travel Madness 02:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 02:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 03:00 Exploring The Vine 04:00 Long Way Down 05:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 06:00 Adventure Wanted 07:00 Travel Madness 08:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 08:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 09:00 Exploring The Vine 09:30 Exploring The Vine 10:00 Long Way Down 11:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 12:00 Adventure Wanted 13:00 Travel Madness 13:30 Travel Madness 14:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 14:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 15:00 Exploring The Vine 15:30 Exploring The Vine 16:00 Long Way Down 17:00 Miracle On Everest 18:00 62 Days At Sea 19:00 First Ascent 19:30 First Ascent 20:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 20:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:00 Madventures 21:30 Madventures 22:00 Graham’s World 22:30 Graham’s World 23:00 Danger Beach 23:30 Danger Beach

00:00 Adventure Wanted 01:00 Travel Madness 01:30 Travel Madness 02:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 02:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 03:00 Exploring The Vine 03:30 Exploring The Vine 04:00 Long Way Down 05:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 06:00 Adventure Wanted 07:00 Travel Madness 07:30 Travel Madness 08:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 08:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 09:00 Exploring The Vine 09:30 Exploring The Vine 10:00 Long Way Down 11:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 12:00 Adventure Wanted 13:00 Travel Madness 13:30 Travel Madness 14:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 14:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 15:00 Exploring The Vine 15:30 Exploring The Vine 16:00 Long Way Down 17:00 Miracle On Everest 18:00 62 Days At Sea 19:00 First Ascent 19:30 First Ascent 20:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 20:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:00 Madventures 21:30 Madventures 22:00 Graham’s World 22:30 Graham’s World 23:00 Danger Beach 23:30 Danger Beach

00:00 Megastructures 01:00 The Known Universe 02:00 Naked Science

SPUD ON OSN CINEMA 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 Barrie 21:00 22:00 23:00

Megastructures World’s Deadliest Animals Shark Men Lockdown Air Crash Investigation Megastructures The Known Universe Naked Science Megastructures World’s Deadliest Animals Shark Men Inside Air Crash Investigation Ancient Megastructures The Known Universe Naked Science Megastructures Britain’s Machines with Chris

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:00 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Maneater Manhunt Super Predators Monster Jellyfish Squid vs. Whale I, Predator Built For The Kill Hidden Worlds Hidden Worlds Monster Jellyfish Squid vs. Whale I, Predator World’s Wildest Encounters World’s Weirdest Wildlife Rescue Africa Built For The Kill Fish Warrior Warrior Bees Most Dangerous Encounter Dangerous Encounters S7 Wildlife Rescue Africa Monster Jellyfish Squid vs. Whale I, Predator World’s Wildest Encounters World’s Weirdest

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:15 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Carriers-PG15 Child’s Play 3-18 The Transporter-PG15 Iron Man 2-PG15 Blank Slate-PG15 The Warrior’s Way-PG15 Camp Hope-PG15 Blank Slate-PG15 Ladder 49-PG15 Camp Hope-PG15 The Kingdom-18 Blood Out-18

Animal Mega Moves The Border Air Crash Investigation

01:00 The Conspirator-PG15 03:00 My Dog Tulip-PG15 05:00 Calvin Marshall-PG15 07:00 50 First Dates-PG15 09:00 The Conspirator-PG15 11:00 Spud-PG15 13:00 Elle: A Modern Cinderella Tale-PG15 15:00 Mars Needs Moms-PG 17:00 Prom-PG15 19:00 Faster-PG15 21:00 Twelve-18 23:00 Biutiful-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 Eastbound And Down 02:00 Entourage 03:30 Man Up! 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Til Death 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 09:00 Til Death 09:30 The Cleveland Show 10:00 Happy Endings 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 13:00 Til Death 14:00 Man Up! 14:30 Happy Endings 15:00 The Cleveland Show 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

16:00 The Colbert Report 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:30 Man Up! 19:00 Hot In Cleveland 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 22:30 Hung 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Royal Pains House Luck White Collar Good Morning America Franklin & Bash Emmerdale Coronation Street The Martha Stewart Show The View Royal Pains White Collar Live Good Morning America Franklin & Bash Emmerdale Coronation Street Hawthorne Grimm Alphas Supernatural True Blood

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Unforgettable Luck House White Collar Royal Pains C.S.I. Miami Unforgettable Emmerdale Coronation Street The Protector White Collar House Emmerdale Coronation Street The Protector Unforgettable Emmerdale Coronation Street The Protector Hawthorne Grimm Alphas Supernatural Rescue Me

01:00 The Siege-18 03:00 The Transporter-PG15 05:00 Sleep Dealer-18 07:00 The Warlords-PG15 09:00 True Justice: Lethal Justice-18 11:00 Spider-Man-PG 13:15 The Front-PG15 15:00 True Justice: Lethal Justice-18 17:00 Warriors Of Heaven And Earth-PG15 19:00 Aeon Flux-PG15 21:00 Gridlock’d-18 23:00 The Burningmoore IncidentPG15

00:00 The Extra Man-PG15 02:00 Bad News Bears-PG 04:00 Garfield-PG 06:00 Nothing Like The HolidaysPG15 08:00 Bad News Bears-PG 10:00 Whatever Works-PG15 12:00 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie-PG 14:00 The Lightkeepers-PG15 16:00 Whatever Works-PG15 18:00 Bob Roberts-PG15 20:00 Big Fat Important Movie-18 22:00 Greenberg-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00

Skirt Day-PG15 Triage-18 The Associate-PG15 Eight Below-PG Freestyle (2010)-PG15 Good Hair-PG15 Swansong: Story Of Occi

Byrne-PG15 15:00 Freestyle (2010)-PG15 17:00 Oscar And The Lady In PinkPG15 19:00 Strength And Honour-PG15 21:00 Manolete-18 23:00 Kings And Queen-18

01:00 Eight Below-PG 03:00 Yona Yona Penguin-PG 04:30 The LXD: The Uprising BeginsPG15 06:00 My Name Is Khan-PG15 09:00 Gulliver’s Travels-PG 10:45 District 9-PG15 12:45 The LXD: Secrets Of The RaPG15 14:45 Adventures Of A Teenage Dragonslayer-PG 16:45 Gulliver’s Travels-PG 18:45 Wuthering Heights-PG15 21:00 Red Riding Hood-PG15 23:00 The Other Guys-PG15

01:00 IRB Junior World Championship 03:00 NRL Premiership 05:00 Super League 07:00 Trans World Sport 08:00 Super League 10:00 Masters Football 13:00 AFL Premiership 15:30 PGA European Tour Highlights 16:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 17:30 Trans World Sport 18:30 Futbol Mundial 19:00 International Rugby Union 21:00 Super Rugby Highlights 22:00 America’s Cup Highlights 22:30 Trans World Sport 23:30 IRB Junior World Championship

00:30 02:30 03:00 06:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 14:00 14:30 17:30 18:30 21:00 23:00 23:30

Super League Futbol Mundial Masters Football Volvo Ocean Race Highlights NRL Premiership PGA European Tour Highlights Super Rugby Highlights Volvo Ocean Race Highlights International Rugby Union Futbol Mundial Masters Football PGA European Tour Highlights AFL Premiership NRL Premiership America’s Cup Highlights Futbol Mundial

01:00 NRL Full Time 01:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 02:30 IronMan 05:30 Futbol Mundial 06:00 Ping Pong World Championship 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Ladies European Tour Highlights 09:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 10:00 City Center Races 12:30 Ladies European Tour Highlights 13:30 AFL Premiership Highlights 14:30 NRL Full Time 15:00 Golfing World 16:00 International Rugby Union 18:00 ITU World Triathlon Series 20:30 Ladies European Tour Highlights 21:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 22:00 Golfing World 23:00 Rugby Union Pacific Nations Cup

01:00 04:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:30 19:30 20:00 22:00

Prizefighter UFC 147 WWE Vintage Collection WWE NXT Prizefighter Mobil 1 The Grid WWE This Week WWE SmackDown WWE Vintage Collection Mobil 1 The Grid UAE National Race Day Series V8 Supercars Highlights V8 Supercars Extra UFC UFC 147

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR MEA JZR ETH RJA GFA UAE ETD THY DHX FDB MSR QTR KAC CLX THY JZR DHX JZR AFR KAC BAW JZR KAC RJA KAC KAC QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD BAB GFA MEA JZR MSR IRM JZR JZR IRC KNE MSR KAC RJA GFA FDB JZR KAC QTR SVA KAC JZR KAC KAC QTR JZR FDB KAC ETD SYR UAE UAL GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY QTR KAC KAC KAC BAB KNE FDB MSR RBG JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI JZR KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA KAC ALK JZR KLM UAE JZR ETD BBC ABY QTR IYE DHX JZR AIC FDB GFA UAL JZR DLH MSR THY

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 27/6/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 408 BEIRUT 527 ASSIUT 620 ADDIS ABABA 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 768 ISTANBUL 370 BAHRAIN 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 870 LUXEMBOURG 770 ISTANBUL 1541 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 555 ALEXANDRIA 6702 PARIS 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 529 ASSIUT 206 ISLAMABAD 5398 AMMAN 382 DELHI 284 DHAKA 6130 DOHA 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 606 LUXOR 5066 MASHAD 561 SOHAG 505 LUXOR 6791 MASHAD 472 JEDDAH 610 CAIRO 672 DUBAI 640 AMMAN 219 BAHRAIN 57 DUBAI 535 CAIRO 790 MEDINAH 140 DOHA 500 JEDDAH 788 JEDDAH 257 BEIRUT 546 ALEXANDRIA 502 BEIRUT 134 DOHA 213 DEIREZZOR 8069 DUBAI 538 SHARM EL SHEIKH 303 ABU DHABI 341 DAMASCUS 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 144 DOHA 542 CAIRO 786 JEDDAH 166 PARIS 438 BAHRAIN 460 MEDINAH 63 DUBAI 620 ASSIUT 3553 ALEXANDRIA 787 RIYADH 618 DOHA 166D PARIS 674 DUBAI 102 NEW YORK 572 MUMBAI 175 DUBAI 774 RIYADH 393 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 514 TEHRAN 229 COLOMBO 481 SABIHA 417 AMSTERDAM 859 DUBAI 135 BAHRAIN 307 ABU DHABI 43 DHAKA 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 824 SANAA 372 BAHRAIN 539 CAIRO 975 CHENNAI 59 DUBAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 614 CAIRO 772 ISTANBUL

Time 0:15 0:20 1:00 1:40 1:45 2:10 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:50 2:55 3:10 3:20 3:25 4:10 4:15 4:35 4:55 5:00 6:00 6:05 6:15 6:30 6:40 7:15 7:20 7:30 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:50 8:05 8:20 8:20 8:25 8:30 9:00 9:20 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:00 10:55 11:05 11:10 11:55 12:25 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:40 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:20 14:25 14:25 14:30 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:30 15:55 16:10 16:35 16:40 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:15 18:40 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:05 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:35 19:35 19:35 19:40 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:55 20:55 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:40 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:35 23:40

Airlines AIC MSR UAL DLH MSR PIA MEA THY ETH THY UAE FDB DHX ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR CLX RJA JZR JZR GFA THY JZR AFR RJA KAC KAC BAW FDB KAC JZR KAC ABY QTR KAC KAC KAC UAE KAC JZR QTR FDB ETD BAB IRA GFA KAC MEA MSR JZR KAC KAC JZR JZR IRM KNE IRC GFA FDB MSR RJA KAC JZR JZR SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC KAC FDB ETD JZR SYR QTR UAE GFA JZR ABY UAL SVA JZR QTR FDB BAB KNE RBG MSR JZR KAC KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA JZR DHX ALK KLM JZR ABY ETD KAC UAE QTR KAC IYE KAC DHX JZR BBC QTR AXB FDB GFA KAC JZR

Depature Flights on Wednesday 27/6/2012 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 2139 CAIRO 981 WASHINGTON DC 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 206 LAHORE 409 BEIRUT 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 792 KARACHI 643 AMMAN 164 DUBAI 504 LUXOR 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 534 CAIRO 6702 DUBAI 5399 AMMAN 545 ALEXANDRIA 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 175 FRANKFURT 256 BEIRUT 117 NEW YORK 126 SHARJAH 6131 DOHA 501 BEIRUT 671 DUBAI 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 789 MADINAH 212 DEIREZZOR 133 DOHA 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 437 BAHRAIN 602 SHIRAZ 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 619 ASSIUT 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 785 JEDDAH 480 ISTANBUL 176 DUBAI 5065 MASHHAD 461 JEDDAH 6792 MASHHAD 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 673 DUBAI 538 CAIRO 174 DUBAI 503 MADINAH 617 DOHA 786 RIYADH 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 513 IMAM KHOMEINI 8070 DUBAI 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 342 DAMASCUS 141 DOHA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 128 SHARJAH 982 BAHRAIN 511 RIYADH 266 BEIRUT 145 DOHA 64 DUBAI 439 BAHRAIN 477 JEDDAH 3554 ALEXANDRIA 621 ALEXANDRIA 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 361 COLOMBO 153 ISTANBUL 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 331 TRIVANDRUM 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 502 LUXOR 171 BAHRAIN 230 COLOMBO 417 DAMMAM 1540 CAIRO 120 SHARJAH 308 ABU DHABI 381 DELHI 860 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 824 SANAA 205 ISLAMABAD 373 BAHRAIN 554 ALEXANDRIA 44 DHAKA 147 DOHA 394 KOCHI 60 DUBAI 218 BAHRAIN 415 KUALA LUMPUR 528 ASSIUT

Time 0:05 0:15 0:25 0:30 0:35 1:25 2:00 2:15 2:45 3:40 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:00 6:15 6:50 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:10 7:30 7:55 8:05 8:10 8:20 8:25 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:15 9:15 9:20 9:35 9:40 9:45 9:45 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:25 10:25 10:45 11:30 11:55 12:10 12:15 12:30 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:25 14:10 14:15 14:25 14:25 14:30 14:35 15:05 15:10 15:25 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:25 16:35 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:05 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:45 19:55 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:15 23:30 23:50 23:50

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

FOR SALE Toyota Corolla 2011 model, white color, well maintained low mileage, excellent condition, wanted price KD 3,750/-. Contact: 60099305. (C 4056) 26-6-2012 SITUATION VACANT Full time live out maid/nanny for three months, starting mid July.

Must have own residency.

Work from 7am to 7pm, Saturday - Thursday in Salwa. Call 97687172 for interview.

25-6-2012 A multinational company in Africa is looking for an experienced Human Resources/Personnel Manager. Salary will be paid in US dollars - with other incentives. Be ready to relocate to Africa. Indian, Christian, Keralite (pre ferred). Send CV with 3 letters of recommendation to ekehinde2006@yahoo.com 24-6-2012

Benaulim, Salcete - Goa has changed my name from Joao Diogo Rodrigues to Joao Rodrigues. Hereafter, in all my dealings and documents, I will be known by the name Joao Rodrigues.

(C 4059) 27-6-2012 I, Vasanthada Bobee Kingson, s/o V. Devadanam, holder of Indian passport No. F0464754, have changed my name Vasanthada Bobee Kingson to Yusuf Ahmad.

Henceforth I will be known as Yusuf Ahmad. (C 4057) 26-6-2012 It is hereby notified for the information of all concerned authorities and the public that I, Rajee Ramanathan Koolathu, Punaroor House, Panniyaly, Omalloor P.O., Pathanamthitta, Kerala, Pin - 689647, holder of Passport No. K 1677756 issued on 03-11-2011 by the Passport Officer, Thiruvananthapuram, have embraced Islam Religion with a new name Fathima Raja K. Hereafter I will be a member of Islam Religion and will be known by the name Fathima Raja K. only and will sign accordingly. This change will come into effect in all records related to me.

25-6-2012

Joseph Thamarakkatte.

(C 4053) 22-6-2012 SITUATION WANTED Sri Lankan lady (housemaid) looking for part-time job, only Monday, Wednesday and Saturday (only English family).

Contact: 55680045.

(C 4058) 26-6-2012

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

Prayer timings Fajr: Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

03:15 11:51 15:25 18:52 20:24

CHANGE OF NAME I, Shri Joao Rodrigues, s/o Shri Diogo Rodrigues residing at H.No. 925, Acsona,

I, Joseph Mathew Thamarakkatte holder of Indian passport No. E5415197 change my name as Mathew

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

34

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 718

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) You are able to act quickly and get things done—-faster than most. You may find people coming to you for the odd jobs that nobody wants to try to accomplish. You may like to be depended on in this way, but it could cause some difficulty in the realm of stress. Take a look at possibly being addicted to stress. Early burn out could result. Reading about stress relief may be helpful as you are not the only one with the same mindset. So that others will respect your time, you must learn to say no occasionally. Your career could assume a much more determined and solid form—a firm foundation. You naturally are a giving person, sacrificing your own interests for the sake of what you feel is right. A born psychologist, you enjoy helping.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You may find yourself very appreciative of your career and practical skills at this time . . . in fact, you are appreciative of everything today. There is a renewed appreciation for your work that may be apparent to your superiors—in fact, to everybody. Things are happening, and your career or path depends upon your own ambition and drive—which is strong. You are able to use your good common sense to feel the trends and make the right moves. This is a time to get ahead by taking action. Circumstances may expand and stimulate appreciation and enjoyment of your life situation. If you buy merchandise for your store, your good taste is appreciated by others and you keep up-to-date with all the updates each season. This evening the crowd follows your lead.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. System of measurement based on centimeters and grams and seconds.

4. A northeastern Iranian language spoken in Russia.

10. Surface layer of ground containing a matt of grass and grass roots.

13. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

14. A substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid.

15. An accountant certified by the state.

16. Prevent from being seen or discovered.

19. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

20. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

24. An alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth.

28. The friend of Phintias who pledged his life that Phintias would return (4th century BC).

32. Source of a tough elastic wood.

33. A radioactive element of the alkali-metal group discovered as a disintegration product of actinium.

34. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

35. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

36. (Judaism) Sacred chest where the ancient Hebrews kept the two tablets containing the Ten Commandments.

38. State in northeastern India.

40. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

43. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

45. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its mother and raised by hand.

46. A light touch or stroke.

47. Kamarupan languages spoken in northeastern India and western Burma.

49. Obvious and dull.

52. The middle of the day.

56. A unit of current equal to 10 amperes.

58. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

59. Having leadership guidance.

60. Surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments.

62. An acute inflammatory disease occurring in the intestines of premature infants.

63. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

64. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

65. Large northern deer with enormous flattened antlers in the male.

DOWN 1. Tall palm tree bearing coconuts as fruits.

2. Take by theft.

3. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

4. Evergreen trees and shrubs having oily one-seeded fruits.

5. Relating to or characteristic of or occurring on the sea or ships.

6. A deep bow.

7. A unit of energy equal to the work done by an electron accelerated through a potential difference of 1 volt.

8. A police officer who investigates crimes.

9. Half the width of an em.

10. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

11. German industrialist who was the first in Germany to use an assembly line in manufacturing automobiles (1871-1948).

12. (British) An open river valley (in a hilly area).

17. A Hindu disciple of a swami.

18. Offering fun and gaiety.

21. Being five more than one hundred.

22. A genus of Pyralidae.

23. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology.

25. (New Testament) The sages who visited Jesus and Mary and Joseph shortly after Jesus was born.

26. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent.

27. A metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram.

29. An independent group of closely related Chadic languages spoken in the area between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages.

30. Toward the mouth or oral region.

31. A language unit by which a person or thing is known.

37. A Dravidian language spoken in southern India.

38. A police officer who investigates crimes.

39. The act of scanning.

41. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

42. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus.

43. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

44. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

48. Mild cream-colored Dutch cheese shaped in balls.

50. In bed.

51. A quantity of no importance.

53. A native or inhabitant of Denmark.

54. Norwegian mathematician (1802-1829).

55. Noisy talk.

61. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) As a good detective or research person, you will find yourself having a passion for answers this morning. Some breakthrough revelation is in the forecast. Later in the afternoon, you could be called on to entertain a business customer or executive. This is a time when the desire for material success and considerable monetary gain is great. There are promises to bring smooth sailing to partnerships. In managing human affairs, there is no better rule than self-restraint. You enjoy fair and broad-minded persons. You are gregarious and sports-minded. You dare to dream big. Business dealings may be particularly fruitful at this time. This evening you may want to dive into some interesting philosophical ideas with your partner.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) It may be hard to organize or persevere today. Do not force things. Focus may be the problem and a little note taking can bring the plans for the day back into focus. Be patient and let the chaos be used up. It is a good time to dive into your work, as you seem to shine when it comes to practical matters or those involving work and career. You have an easy way with superiors or those in authority and can always manage to get the most out of any skill or ability you have. You could do well in selling an idea or product today. You can pull out some of those creative ideas to help sell this product. You radiate good health and a good attitude; you should know that people like to feel your warmth. Enjoy the attention you receive from your loved ones tonight.

NON SEQUITUR

Leo (July 23-August 22) You enjoy working hard today and may strain to remain organized and on top of current events—in and out of the office. Today you will enjoy working in the environment where higher-ups show off their independence and originality. You could find yourself engaged in nonconformist causes, always ready to promote what is independent and innovative. You like the work of unraveling complicated puzzles and you are good at it. Today is one of those days that take the patience and skills that you have to work quickly and efficiently.

Communication, computers, electronics and everything new wave are the areas in which you excel. You may discover new ways of working with traditional materials.

This evening is a great time for contemplation.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Someone could challenge you on a very sensitive issue today.

This could result in an argument or, at the least, a very intense discussion. This is just one of those days that you could say something before you really have an opportunity to think through what you really want to say. Easy does it, you will do well to admit you are involved in plenty of work and would be happy to get back to the person when you can. Don’t think about this for too long. There is a passion for searching, finding out and communicating your discoveries. This may turn out to be a very interesting day with perhaps a renewed appreciation for all that is beautiful and fine. There is an opportunity to understand those around you and draw closer to those you love this evening.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

A discussion over business affairs calls for a compromise and with some deliberation, this can easily be reached. You are able to use good common sense in this decision-making process. You may work where there are transportation issues and yet, with your keen ability to organize and schedule in a multitude of work orders, you will be pleased with the results of your effort by the end of the day. It will not be easy to turn away from some of the options coming to you today but you have good timing and will know the best choice. If you are shopping later this afternoon—you may be tempted to purchase expensive items. Stop to ask yourself if you want to spend the energy and time to earn the money you need to pay off these temptations. Enjoy your evening.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) There are times in everyone’s life when one changes the way one looks at life. Now is the time to either make a few fast changes or plan for a few changes in the future. A new job, hobby or simply a new hairstyle will do the trick for now. You no longer want to worry over situations that are much too complicated and you may suggest someone for a particular job and ask for a change that you might feel is warranted. You may have realized that it is now time to move on to something not quite so stressful or a position that more suits your talents. Good for you. You have the power to outmaneuver the competitor and you will be pleased with your efforts each day. Your presence is beneficial and comforting to others. You are great company this evening.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Don’t be hasty when tracking down some research for an important project this day. Keep a positive outlook throughout a challenging dilemma. You are coming into a period of greater than usual emphasis on emotional security, which is likely to manifest as settling down somehow. Perhaps, if you have been renting, it is time to think about purchasing a home or think about ways in which this can be accomplished in the future—saving. You have great staying power, a drive for security and stability and can withstand almost anything to reach that goal. You enjoy the results of your hard work and although you prefer to see results develop quickly, you will be pleased with the outcome of today’s efforts. Enjoy the celebrations later today.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

You may be presented with new problems in the workplace today. You are ready to search for a solution, as usual. If you had no work problems, you would not have a job. This means work in a maintenance or complaint department more than likely. Lately, work has been getting a bit dull—but not for long. Remember, the challenges that come up today are giving you the opportunity to show off exactly how you can manage, organize, solve difficult issues and put lots of smiles on lots of people’s faces. Be sure to take your breaks and get outside for a while after the noon meal—it will help to relieve any stress. Working in your garden or with plants you are relaxed and refreshed. Leave some time for romance this evening.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You are stable and methodical in your work progress today.

There is a need to change some method, technique or equipment.

You resist change but can adjust rather well when you see the whole picture of a matter. Once you become involved in a new project, you can be unyielding. You mistrust that which is untried. You may have some interesting conversations with someone that has a firm political viewpoint. You experience life mostly through your emotions and how you perceive a subject. Listen to your intuition—it is strong and can guide you accurately in making forecasts or decisions this afternoon. You understand more than you let on today—others may experience growth through simply answering your penetrating questions.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Decisions made now may have to be rethought later. Take your time with business matters, if at all possible today. You are a heavyduty thinker and serious student, always ready to work an idea through, reducing it to what is essential. You enjoy mental effort and discipline and will work long and hard today to finish any projects. Teaching possibilities keep popping up from time to time and this day is no exception. You find it easy to work with other people and may pour a lot of fun energy into helping those around you. Your home and surroundings reflect this as well. When it comes to teaching or coaching young people, you are a natural and may be asked to motivate and inspire young people today. A socially active evening is possible.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

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Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

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Tel.: e 161

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WWW.MET.GOV V.KW .

Relatively hot with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 06 - 28 km/h

BY Y DA AY:

Hot with light variable wind changing to light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 08 - 30 km/h

WA ARNING

No Current Warnings arnin a

MAX. REC.

MIN. N. EXP P.

KUW WA AIT CITY

45 °C

34 °C

22451082

KUW WA AIT AIRPOR RT

45 °C

29 °C

Al-Mirqab

22456536

NUW WA AISEEB

41 °C

30 °C

Sharq

22465401

WA AFRA

46 °C

28 °C

Salmiya

25746401

SALMI

43 °C

28 °C

ABDAL LY

46 °C

29 °C

Jabriya

25316254

JAL ALIY YA AH

44 °C

29 °C

Maidan Hawally

25623444

FA AILAKA

45 °C

29 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

37 °C

34 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

37 °C

32 °C

W.Hawally

22630786

WA ARBA A - BUBY YAN A

41 °C

27 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

SFC. CHART

26/06/2012 1200 UTC

4 DA AY YS FORECAST Temperatures DA ATE T

Wednesday e

27/06

Thursday

28/06

WEA ATHER T

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

MAX.

MIN.

hot

45 °C

29 °C

VRB-NW

08 - 30 km/h

hot

46 °C

28 °C

NW-SE

12 - 35 km/h

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

Friday

29/06

hot

48 °C

30 °C

VRB

06 - 22 km/h

North Jahra

24775992

Saturday

30/06

hot

48 °C

30 °C

NW

15 - 38 km/h

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

AY YER TIMES PRA

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

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23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

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23980088

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23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

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Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours

ST TAT TION

Al-Madena

Fajr

03:15

MAX. Temp.

44 °C

Sunrise

04:50

MIN. Temp.

27 °C

Zuhr

11:51

MAX. RH

19 %

Asr

15:24

MIN. RH

07 %

Sunset

18:51

MAX. Wind

N 60 km/h

Isha

20:24

TOT TAL AL RA AINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

lifestyle M u s i c

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teddy bear who smokes, parties, beds pop stars and spews profanity in a New England accent as thick as chowdah? Such a creature could only come from the blissfully twisted mind of “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane, confidently making his feature directing debut with “Ted.” If you love his animated TV show, you’ll probably love this: In a lot of ways, “Ted” feels like a live-action, big-screen version of “Family Guy” with its pop-culture references and inappropriate racial humor, flashbacks and non sequiturs. (MacFarlane co-wrote the script with two of his longtime collaborators on the series, Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild.)

He’s even included the same sort of orchestral arrangements of jaunty transitional music between scenes. And Ted, whom MacFarlane himself voices, happens to sound exactly like Peter Griffin (which would have been obvious even without a throwaway joke spelling it out for us).

Still, you chuck enough of this stuff at a wall and some of it will stick. Most of it does for most of the time, although some of the one-liners and gross-out gags do show signs of strain. “Ted” also happens to be sweeter than you might expect, despite the pre-

dictability of its formula, with a climax that will warm the heart of anyone with New England ties.

Mark Wahlberg stars as John, whose wish upon a star as a lonely kid in the ‘80s turned his Christmas-morning teddy bear into a walking, talking friend for life. Decades later, the two are still best buddies living together in Boston, although they’re both understandably a tad stunted; daily waking- andbaking probably doesn’t help matters. John works a nowhere job at a rental-car company, while Ted spends his days getting wasted and enjoying the meager glimmers of fame he achieved for being such an oddity.

(A flashback that places Ted on the “Tonight Show” set for an interview with Johnny Carson is seamless; actually, Ted’s insertion into all the live-action antics is impressive, even though the bear himself intentionally looks pretty ratty.)

Despite this adolescent attachment, John has managed to carve out a healthy, fouryear relationship with the beautiful, successful and exceedingly patient Lori (Mila Kunis, who voices the awkward teenage daughter Meg on “Family Guy”). But by this point, something’s gotta give. Lori presses John for

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a more serious commitment - and to the film’s credit, she doesn’t come off like a nagging shrew for making this request - but John isn’t ready to put away childish things.

So this is essentially the film’s central conflict: John tries to please the two most important figures in his life at the same time but repeatedly disappoints them both. Subplots involving Lori’s leering boss (Joel McHale) and a scheme by a creepy dad (Giovanni Ribisi) to kidnap the bear feel like filler rather than real threats, although Ribisi’s character does add a whole ‘nother level of daring weirdness to the proceedings.

“Ted” is at its best when Ted is at his worst. The disparity between the innocence such a toy is meant to represent and the utter wrongness of his every action provides a pretty consistent source of hilarity.

But much of the material works because the bear has someone to bounce off of; Walbergdoes his best work in situations like this, where he’s playing it totally straight in a setting that’s totally silly.

If only the movie had come out closer to the holidays: Ted would make an excellent gift for the overgrown adolescent in everyone’s life. “Ted,” a Universal Pictures release,

is rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug use.

Running time: 105 minutes. Three stars out of four. — AP

F

Wayne Coyne

F

un for Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips means collaboration, and a recent dust-up with Erykah Badu after they worked together isn’t slowing him down. Coyne and the Lips will launch an attempt at the Guiness World Records mark for most live shows in 24 hours, playing eight concerts between Memphis, Tenn., and New Orleans on Wednesday and Thursday. Trailed by fans along the way, they’ll meet up with acts like Jackson Browne, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Gary Clarke Jr. and Hunter Hayes as part of the activities surrounding MTV’s O Music Awards. The Oklahoma rockers have been finalizing details and juggling schedules and logistics as they chase Jay-Z’s record of seven shows in a day.

“If you had to really consider all this in the beginning, you just simply wouldn’t want to do it,” Coyne said in a phone interview last week. “Luckily, it occurs to you when you get closer and closer. I think it’s a little bit like having a baby. At the beginning of it is a lot of fun, but by the time it’s here, really it’s too late to turn back.”

That analogy isn’t too far off the mark when it comes to describing the row between Badu and Coyne, either. Things seemed to be going great until the Lips released the video for “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, their “Heady Fwends” record store day collaboration, earlier this month. The Lips eventually retracted the video after Badu accused the group of releasing it without her approval. In the video Badu sits apparently naked in a tub, then later her sister Nayrok mucks about in a milky white substance and glitter. The disagreement spilled over on Twitter where Badu invited Coyne to kiss her

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cluster of tiny Louisiana towns being slowly swallowed by the encroaching sea has been given new life in a fantastical film that has won top honors at Cannes and Sundance. Days before the wide release of “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” the crew returned to Montegut to show it to the people who fed them and housed them, built their sets and filled their supporting roles.

“They captured, touched, a little part of what it’s like to be down here,” said Michael Pitre, who runs a mechanic shop and helped work on the boats used in the film, after seeing the movie. “As far as living off the land like we do,”

“glittery” posterior and Coyne responded with a picture of himself with lips covered in glitter.

Coyne stopped short of saying Badu’s reaction was contrived, but said she and her management certainly knew what was going down as they spent two days filming. He says her opinion changed when “easily riled” members of her audience objected.

“This is not her fault. It’s just the nature of the way Twitter works,” Coyne said. “Her fans can just sometimes lash out and be as mean as they want to be, which I think is interesting. That’s the thing about Twitter - there’s no referee, you know.” Coyne doesn’t believe anything else will come of the episode. “Luckily I’m doing so many things I don’t have too much time to worry about it,” Coyne said. “And a lot of people I run into now loved, loved that video and I think it’s true to what Erykah and I, in the beginning at least, thought we were going to show the world.”

The Lips will be joined on their record run by a number of musicians and celebrities, some performing along the way, some making appearances. The entire extravaganza will be streamed live online and MTV’s family of networks will offer live look-ins. Recent additions to the lineup include Browne, who will ride the bus from Jackson, Miss., to Hattiesburg, Miss., where he will perform with the band, “Jackass” star Chris Pontius, Karmin and Neon Trees. “It’s a logistics nightmare,” Coyne said. — AP

he explained. “When I was growing up, that’s what we ate: shrimp, crabs. That’s all we had to eat. That’s all we could afford because we would catch it ourselves.”

Director Benh Zeitlin and his Court 13 filmmaking collective were among a wave of artists who moved to New Orleans after it was nearly wiped off the map by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Zeitlin fell in love with the beauty and precariousness of life on the nearby bayous-where houses are built on high stilts to protect against frequent floods and people look to the sea, not the store, for their dinner. He came to Montegut to tell a story

aced with stubbornly feeble economies back home, more Western music acts are being lured to play in Asia to boost their profiles in a region where disposable incomes are growing, say experts. Festival organizers say a rising number of North American and European acts are accepting cuts in their performance fees for the chance to build a fan base in Asia, an comparatively economically vibrant region hosting most of the world’s seven billion population. “Some artistes do take lower fees... They see the big opportunity in developing a market for themselves in markets like China and India,” said Alan Ridgeway, president of international and emerging markets for Live Nation Entertainment, one of the world’s leading concert promoters.

“They could use festivals as a platform to introduce their music to a new audience, they can then come back and do multi-city tours and start building a following,” Ridgeway said at the Music Matters conference in Singapore in late May. Japan, by various measures the world’s second largest music market after the United States, has traditionally always been able to attract high profile western acts and its Fuji Rock festival is considered to be Asia’s biggest. But Western indie acts are making pit stops elsewhere in Asia’s growing festival scene, even though these events lack the profile of the likes of the famed Glastonbury festival in the United Kingdom or Coachella in the US. Glastonbury performer Yuck played at Singapore’s St. Jerome’s Laneway festival in May this year, while UK bands The Cribs and Bombay Bicycle Club appeared at Hong Kong’s harbourfront Clockenflap festival in 2011. The world’s 50 biggest concert tours-most of them held in European and North American cities-sold a combined total of 35.5 million tickets in 2011, an 8.7 percent drop from the year earlier, according to trade magazine Pollstar.

As audiences dwindle in Europe, the pull of Asia’s upwardly mobile middle class is attracting Western acts to the region, said Mindy Coppin, vice-president and managing director at talent management company IMG Artists.

“Western artistes have identified that the Asia market is growing when the Western markets are suffering due to economic difficulties,” she told AFP, adding that Asian “audiences have greater disposable income”.

This film image released by Universal Pictures shows Mark Wahlberg, left with the character Ted, voiced by Seth MacFarlane in a scene from ‘Ted.’ — AP

“With increasing use of social media and Internet, audiences are exposed to many music genres apart from popular music,” said Tay Pui Lin, an assistant director at Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, the organiser of Singapore’s Mosaic Music festival. The eight-year old event has featured the likes of retro band ‘Craft Spells’ and indie folk outfit ‘Blind Pilot’, while also leaving room for headline acts such as Jason Mraz and Rachael Yamagata. Promoters say that as more acts discover their audiences in the East, they help contribute to a snowball effect with more bands coming over. “If you’d told me five years ago I’d be putting The Jesus and Mary Chain on in Hong Kong, I would have fallen over,” said Jane Blondel of Songs for Children, a Hong Kong based promoter that hosted the Scottish band in the Chinese territory and Singapore this year.

“The Internet has changed things. When we started we had to use very grass-roots tactics, postering and flyering and using Facebook. Now as more bands play, the bands and managers know each other and if they have a great time they’ll encourage others to go.” Attitudes are also changing in China, the world’s most populous nation and second largest economy which was once averse to the disorder and rowdiness that comes with such rockfests, according to festival organizer Scarlett Li. Music aficionados in China are now willing to pay to attend such events, a concept unheard of just 10 years ago, said Li, the chief executive of music platform Zebra Media at the Singapore conference.

“We have less baggage (than before) in China, and our audience has the stomach to take on different kinds of music,” said Li. Paul Dankmeyer, who organizes Indonesia’s Java Jazz festival, said international acts are vital for the long-term sustainability of Asian music festivals. “The audience wants to see their heroes in the mix of international renowned artists. They would not spend money just to see their local heroes perform on their own,” he said. Local musicians are however ambivalent, fearing the influx of Western acts into the region may smother promising local talents.

“Artistic inspiration from overseas is definitely essential,” Tim De Cotta, a bassist with Singaporean hip-hop band Sixx, told AFP “But festival organizers also have the responsibility in shaping the local music scene. There must be a quota to limit foreign acts in festivals,” he said. — AFP

The pull of Asia In its latest forecasts released this month, the World Bank predicted that gross domestic product in East Asia and the Pacific will grow by 7.6 percent this year, compared to a 0.3 percent contraction in debt-hit Europe. The US economy is expected to grow by 2.1 percent, it said. Organisers say the widening musical palette of local audiences is also a key factor for the rising reputation of Asia for attracting bands.

Photo shows a patron being tagged to watch US pop diva Lady Gaga’s live concert in Singapore.

that combines personal loss with environmental catastrophe and ended up starting the shoot on the same day as the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded a few dozen miles away, unleashing the worst maritime oil spill in history.—AFP

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This photograph taken on May 29, 2012 shows people collecting their ticket at the SISTIC Box Office counter to watch US pop diva Lady Gaga’s live concert in Singapore.— AFP photos

he Spice Girls are due to be reunited in London to announce details of a stage musical based on their songs. The music of the 1990s “girl power” group is being revived in “Viva Forever.” Producers say they will announce Tuesday details of the show, produced by Judy Craymer, who was behind world conquering ABBA musical “Mamma Mia.” The musical is being written by comedian Jennifer Saunders, who co-created TV sitcom “Absolutely Fabulous.”

It is expected to open in London’s West End late this year. Band members Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham - also known as Baby, Sporty, Scary, Ginger and Posh - are expected to attend the announcement. The group split a decade ago. — AP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

lifestyle M u s i c

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Fans of US singer Michael Jackson sing during the commemoration of the third anniversary of his death, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 25, 2012.— AFP photos

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ichael Jackson fans left thousands of roses at his tomb on Monday, marking the third anniversary of the King of Pop’s accidental death. Jackson died at age 50 on June 25, 2009 from an overdose of propofol, a powerful anesthetic he obtained with the help of his doctor and used as a sleeping aid. Jackson was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, a northern suburb of Los Angeles.

The Great Mausoleum-a replica of the Campo Santo in Genoa, Italy-where Jackson was laid to rest beside several other stars, is strictly forbidden to the public. But fans have developed a habit of laying flowers and small notes in front of the stained glass window of a wall, close to his tomb. Jackson’s fans banned together to collect $30,000 and deliver 10,000 red roses-the singer’s favorite flower-to his tomb, according to

celebrity news site TMZ.com. The roses were laid among sunflowers-left on a weekly basis by one loyal fan, as well teddy bears and other offerings.

Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris, now 14, wrote a Tweet Monday: “RIP Michael Jackson.

Dad you will forever be in my heart. I love you” Randy Jackson, one of the star’s brothers, Tweeted: “RIP Michael Jackson King Of Pop!!!”

Justin Bieber also offered his condolences on Twitter. “You will never be forgotten,” Bieber wrote.

“Michael Jackson is the epitome of a legend-a true icon that can only, at best, be emulated,” Tweeted singer and TV show host Paula Abdul.

Jackson’s last doctor, Conrad Murray, was sentenced to four years in prison at a Los Angeles court in November for involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death. The lawyer in charge of

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did. You never took a break.

Perry: I’m still having fun. When I thought of documenting this whole process of last year, I didn’t know it was going to be a huge movie with billboards and Hollywood and stuff. But I just knew that there was a huge wave coming and I wanted to be able to forever keep the memory of that wave. So I caught everything. I threw the net out very wide. And at the end of it was over 300-plus hours of film. And it turned into this movie. And I’m glad. Because it sends a great message, it’s very inspiring and it’s another kind of layer of me that I’ve revealed in time.

AP: At one point in the film, you’re heartbroken and sobbing before going onstage in Brazil, where fans chant “We love you Katy” in Portuguese. The movie makes it feel like fan love replaces Russell Brand’s love - or at least helps you through the breakup.

Perry: Nothing was replaced. It was always there. ... Yeah, of course, it’s a support system. It’s exactly like when I was signed to major labels and dropped. And the guys that really didn’t understand my artistic vision were like, “No, we’re not going to put her record out.” I packed up my things and went to Hotel Cafe, here in Los Angeles, which is a tiny venue. And I played my songs. ... And people were supporting these songs. And they were telling me that this was the right thing to do. So there is no void filled.

It’s just that it’s always been there.

AP: You wonder in the film about whether you can have a relationship and a career. Do you feel like there is an answer to that?

Perry: The answer is always changing for me, you know, because every day is kind of a bit of a surprise. Sometimes it’s a great opportunity, sometimes it’s a situation I have to deal with. So I don’t know. I still believe in love, most definitely.

I’m just going to let that take the lead.

AP: Where are you at on the next album? Will there be a shift in your sound?

Perry: I don’t want to completely self-sabotage everything that I’ve got and alienate everyone. But I definitely want to take some chances as I always have. And after the movie comes out, I think it’ll be appropriate for me to go away for a while.

AP: Do you worry about getting overexposed?

Perry: I worry if it’s not real. I’m OK if everything is honest and truthful and relatable. If it’s fabricated and ill-motived, it’s not good. But I don’t try and involve myself in that type of stuff.

AP: What will change in your next phase in terms of balancing your public and private life?

Perry: I’ll continue to try and balance like a circus act. And I will just fight to always tell the truth. Even if it’s difficult. — AP

hings aren’t all dreamy in Katy Perry’s new 3D concert film. The pop star’s energetic Day-Glo performances and chart success tying Michael Jackson’s “Bad” with five No. 1 singles from her album “Teenage Dream” - are undercut by heartbreak. She sobs uncontrollably backstage as her marriage to Russell Brand falls apart during her world tour, and talks about her dashed desire for “fairy tale” romance. Perry coproduced “Katy Perry: Part of Me” and is now promoting it with the same energy she gave to the year-long “California Dreams” tour it documents. Like Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never,” the movie cross-cuts between concert footage and biography. It includes interviews with Perry’s friends, assistant, manager, makeup artist, Christian evangelical parents, and plenty of fans.

Brand is on screen in several scenes but his presence is reduced by the end mostly to phone and text messages.

In an interview, Perry spoke about sharing her side of the breakup on-screen, leaning on her fans as “a support system,” and plans for her next album.

The Associated Press: Your relationship with Russell Brand supplies the narrative arc of the film. It’s very personal. You’re crying on screen. Is it the same to you as doing a break-up song like “Wide Awake”?

Perry: Oh my God, I have tear ducts! Crazy! I am human! I think it was important for me to leave some of the more difficult things in the film so that it wasn’t just a narcissistic fanfare film about how great I am. Because I’m not all great. There might be moments of greatness but they are very hard-worked (sic). I think it was important to show that there are obstacles and problems in people’s lives and it’s OKif you have them. You just have to overcome them. ...

Sometimes if you want to achieve something great, there will be curveballs. You just have to dodge them every once in a while.

AP: There’s a clip in the movie where you tell Ellen DeGeneres you’re going to take a long nap when the tour is over. It seems like you never

File photo released by Starpix shows singer Katy Perry wears a patriotic dress as she performs at a Pepsi-sponsored event at Brooklyn Pier 9A, kicking off Fleet Week in New York — AP

Fans of late US artist Michael Jackson pose next to a statue of the singer at Santa Marta shantytown.

Murray ’s appeal, Valerie Wass, confirmed Monday that her client regrets not having testified during his trial. “He absolutely wishes he testified,” Wass told The Los Angeles Times. During the trial, witnesses painted an unflattering picture of Murray as incompetent, careless and greedy. — AFP

A fan of late US artist Michael Jackson lays flowers next to a mosaic of the singer at Santa Marta shantytown.

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ichael Curtiz’s best director Oscar for the movie classic “Casablanca” is going up for auction this week and is expected to fetch $2.5 million to $3 million, auctioneers Nate D. Sanders said on Mon day. The Academy Award won in 1943 by the Hungarian-born Curtiz, who died in 1961, will be sold on June 28 by the Los Angeles-based company. Online bidding, which opened last week, had already reached more than $369,000 on Monday, well past the reserve price that was not disclosed. “Casablanca”, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, and set in the Moroccan city during World War II, is one of the most enduring romances in American cinema. In 2007, the Los Angeles-based American Film Institute named it as the third best film of the past 100 years. Curtiz’s Oscar for directing the movie was previously sold by Christie’s in 2003 for $231,500 to U.S. magician David Copperfield.

The auction house declined to name the latest seller.

Sanders said the market for Academy Awards has more than tripled in the past 10 years. “In some cases, especially for the best movies of Hollywood’s Golden

Age, Oscars have appreciated beyond that. That regularly happens in the art and collecting market, where the very best items appreciate the fastest,” Sanders said.

Oscar statuettes rarely come up for auction following a 1950 agreement between winners and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences that banned them from selling their Oscars to anyone but the Academy for the nominal sum of $1. But several pre1950s Oscars have gone under the hammer in recent years. Last December, Nate D. Sanders sold Orson Welles’ Oscar for his screenplay of “Citizen Kane” for $861,000, and in 1999 the best picture Oscar for “Gone With the Wind” was bought by singer Michael Jackson for a record $1.54 million. Sanders said Oscars for such classic movies “command prices at the top of the market, with now being a high point for Hollywood Golden Age memorabilia.” — Reuters

Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Awardwinning film ‘The Artist,’ gets a kiss from Lassie (L), a descendant of the original Lassie. — AFP

Uggie, the dog gets help pressing his paw into cement as he is honored with a hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. — AFP photos

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Filmed in black and white, “The Artist” won five Oscars, including best picture, in February. T he Blu-ray version of the movie sees its released yesterday. F ans mounted a campaign to have Uggie nominated for an acting Academy Award in his own right, but the pooch was ineligible under rules that say acting awards can only go to humans. Uggie, who also performed in “Water for Elephants,” has made appearances around the world since “The Artist” was released last year. He won the 2011 Palm Dog award at the Cannes film festival in May and the Golden Collar Award in Los Angeles in February.

— Reuters

ggie, the lively Jack Russell terrier whose antics in Oscar-winning film “The Artist” stole audience members’ hearts, became the first dog on Monday to leave his prints beside the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable in front of Hollywood’s famous Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

Dressed in a black bow tie and posing for photographers, Uggie sank his paws in cement in a ceremony that also marked his retirement from the movies. The 10-yearold canine, who hit the big time as French actor Jean Dujardin’s cute sidekick in the silent movie, will appear at charity events, his trainer said. “Everybody thinks I am great trainer. I don’t think so. I think he is just a great dog,” trainer Omar von Muller said at the paw print ceremony, thanking Uggie’s fans and his thousands of followers on Twitter and Facebook.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

lifestyle F a s h i o n

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n a muggy, scorching Milan, it’s hard to imagine a summer of lightweight coats and leather jackets. That’s the look, however, that designers are forecasting for the summer of 2013 after three days of preview presentations on the Milan runway. From Ferragamo to Prada, from Jil Sander to Gucci, almost every label has its version of the non-belted raincoat, once a must for a rainy day in the 1960’s.

The vintage leather jacket - from blazer to bomber to wind breaker and crafted out of super soft leather and suede - also makes a comeback for next summer. Designers have also made men happy with the introduction of open-necked shirts for the warmer months. Mostly in white, these shirts come in crisp cotton and have a wide collar, unbuttoned just below the neck. Cool and comfortable, they easily pass the without-a-tie elegance test. For the stuffier crowd, a few designers showed the shirts with ties worn under a seethrough pullover, another popular item this season. From the very start one message has come across bright and clear: next summer is all about color.

eral promise to be particularly bright, started at Missoni with sandy beige, dark olive and ink blue, and then burst out into poppy red, saffron yellow and emerald green. In the knit department, designer Angela Missoni offered a series of pullovers and cardigans, which like most Missoni knitwear never goes out of style.

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MISSONI The Missoni summer man likes to travel in style and comfort. He wears a safari suit complete with matching hat, carries a large patterned bag and sports Missoni-patterned desert boots. The models at the Missoni menswear show for the summer of 2013 presented Monday walked down a colored sandy runway worked into a Missoni pattern to underline the vacation mood of the collection.

The safari suit came with Bermuda shorts - popular this round of menswear - or casual trousers cuffed at the ankle. If he prefers, the Missoni man can don patterned sneakers instead of desert boots.

Blazers and bomber jackets, also big items for next year’s warmer weather, completed the Missoni summer suitcase. Colors for next summer, which in gen-

GUCCI Creative director Frida Giannini has brought a whole lot of Mediterranean pizazz to Gucci. It was no easy task following in the footsteps of American superstar Tom Ford, who turned the once-staid company into one of the sexiest labels in fashion before leaving in 2004. But the Rome-born Giannini decided to see fashion her own way - and that was somewhere between “La Dolce Vita” and the Mediterranean seaside, with a bit of Anglo-American rock thrown in.

The result has been highly successful. And her latest menswear collection Monday for the summer of 2013 was no exception. Next summer’s Gucci palette is a burst of Mediterranean energy from sea blue and green to turquoise, terracotta, raspberry, orange, lemon and pistachio. These bright colors can be used for a suit, a pair of pants or a sweater. When mixed together, they create cheerful prints for silk shirts and slacks.

The new Gucci blazer in cotton jersey is double breasted and fitted around the waist, creating the slim effect favored by 1960s “Dolce Vita” playboys. Trousers are classic but on the skinny side. Loosely knit pullovers, netstitched polo shirts and printed foulard shirts add casual chic. Summer raincoats, a popular look on the current Milan runway, also come in bright shades. The latest Gucci bag is roomy and colorful. Styles range from the canvas shoulder bag to the crocodile weekend bag. The leitmotif of the warm weather collection is the classic Gucci loafer.

Models display creations as part of Missoni Spring-Summer 2013 Menswear collection on June 25, 2012 during the Men’s fashion week in Milan. — AFP photos

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

lifestyle F a s h i o n

Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani poses with models at the end of the men’s Spring-Summer 2013 Giorgio Armani collection show, part of the Milan Fashion Week, unveiled in Milan, Italy, yesterday. — AP EMPORIO ARMANI Giorgio Armani’s Emporio menswear collection was elegant, classy and focused on single theme: a simple pair of summer shorts. For his second-line summer 2013 collection, which was presented Monday, Armani paired cuffed shorts with single or double breasted jackets to create a spiffy warm weather blazer-and-pants effect. At times, the designer added a white shirt and tie - complete with tie pin - for extra sophistication. Armani also paired his shorts with lightweight trench coats, soft leather jackets and see- through pullovers. He used new technical procedures to turn classic tweeds into super-light summer look-alikes. Colors belonged to the traditional Armani palette: gray, beige, brown and blue, with military green being a new entry.

Footwear came in extra sturdy leather running shoes, which doubled for classic lace-ups. Big bags were carried by hand with a shoulder strap option.

Armani also offered a small iPad carrier, a very popular item this round. At the end of the show Armani sent out a parade of male and female models dressed in swimsuits, with a huge photo of the Olympic circles in the runway’s backdrop. Armani is the official designer of the Italian team’s uniforms for the London Olympics. — AP

Fans remember King of Pop with 10,000 red roses

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27, 2012

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American hard rock guitarist Slash performs on the first day of Byblos International Festival on June 25, 2012. —AFP

Monet’s garden ast a walkway cutting through roses and delphiniums, visitors see a small bridge arching over some water lilies. Not in France, but in the Bronx, at an extraordinary five-month exhibit recreating Monet’s gardens at Giverny in this down-at-heel New York borough.

The American take on Claude Monet’s garden has already attracted over 100,000 visitors since it opened at the New York Botanical Garden in May. Hardly a detail is missing from the original. The winding central walkway, the iron door that seems to have been aged by time.

At the beginning of the walk through the garden, in large Victorian-style greenhouses, visitors find a reproduction of the exterior of Monet’s house at Giverny, replete with its signature green shutters.

The entrance is covered in vines and along the walkway the visitor is greeted by an abundance of roses, carnations, delphiniums and irisesthe flowers immortalized in works by the impressionist painter (18401926), who loved gardens so much that he composed them like works of art.

A little farther, the water garden has been reconstituted, smaller than the original, but with the same Japanese bridge, bamboo and weeping willows. “The gardens were a constant in his life,” said Paul Tucker, curator of the garden and four other Monet-related exhibits, and also an author of five books on

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the master French painter.

“He tended to them lovingly and with plenty of money and with hired hands,” said Tucker. “He was fabulously rich at the turn of the century.” In this exhibit, visitors can also admire an outdoor pool, where there are several varieties of water lilies-Monet’s favorite flowers, immortalized in the series of eponymous paintings. Inside the garden’s impressive library, two of the master’s paintings are on display, one of which, entitled “Iris,” on loan from a Swiss private collector, is being shown for the first time in the United States.

‘Perfect for every visitor’ Accompanying the two paintings

replanted in the Bronx

A visitor looks at a replica of French painter Claude Monet’s garden at his house in Giverny during “Monet’s Garden” exhibition, at the New York Botanical Garden, June 21, 2012. —AFP photos

is a large wooden palette that Monet used to create his timeless masterpieces, bearing colorful smears of paint left by the artist. “I like to think of it as the metaphorical extension of the artist’s hand and eye,” said Tucker. “It’s a very intimate object, an object of great practical importance, but something that is truly united to the body of the artist.” Several documents are also on display, including photos from the original garden in all four seasons, lists of the plants, receipts and letters. Visitors also see photos of the artist himself at Giverny, with his long beard and famous straw hat. But perhaps the most extraordinary things about the exhibit are the plants and flowers themselves,

which will change with the seasons.

“We’ve been working on (the exhibit) for about three years,” Karen Daubmann, director of exhibitions and seasonal displays at the New York Botanical Garden, told AFP. Designers worked closely with local archivists and the Foundation Claude Monet, which oversees the original garden residence at Giverny. With the exception of the larger flora-the weeping willows and Japanese maple-most of the plants and flowers, chosen carefully for their hues, were planted there as seeds. For the lilies, Daubmann handed the reins to French nursery Latour-Marliac, where Monet went himself in the last century.

“The flowers change almost every day,” Daubmann said, “Every morning, there is something that needs to come out, or that needs to come in. We want it to look perfect for every visitor, so we change plants all the time.” In total, some 150 varieties of seasonal and perennial plants will be represented, all of which were once used to create the master’s famous garden. The exhibit ends October 21. —AFP

Visitors walk on a replica of French painter Claude Monet’s Japanese footbridge arching over a water lily pool encircled by willow trees and flowering shrubs.

Georgia jail cook still on the job after 20 years oing to jail is usually not a good experience. And the food-generally depicted in movies and television as lumps of mush shoveled out three times a day-has a reputation for being even worse. Except in Kennesaw, Ga. There, cook Nannie Wylie, or “Ms. Ann” as she’s affectionately called, has cooked homemade meals for inmates for more than 20 years. And she has no intention of slowing down. Rumor has it that wrongdoers in other parts of the county have been known to request lockup in Kennesaw just to get a taste of Ms. Ann’s cooking.

“I try to fix for them food that I like and that I like to cook, and that they like, too,” said Ms. Ann, who turned 80 in January, and received her 20-year service award from the city last month. “It’s been interesting.” For Ms. Ann, who went to high school with Elvis Presley, traveled the country opening restaurants and befriended Jerry Lee Lewis along the way, “interesting” is an understatement.

The Olive Branch, Miss., native got her culi-

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nary start at age 17 cooking for a Memphisarea Walgreens drugstore, back when the chain operated restaurants in its stores. She was called to fill in one night for a sick cook, managed to successfully feed hundreds of visiting servicemen from a nearby naval base with just her eventual husband and a busboy for help, and the rest is history. Ms. Ann soon left her home just outside Memphis and was selected, along with the soon-to-be husband, to open Walgreens restaurants throughout the country, including a restaurant in Atlanta.

Later, when the store-restaurant model changed and her husband became ill, Ms. Ann settled down and found the more stable position at the Kennesaw jail. “I have a hard time saying no to her cooking because it will fatten you up,” said city police Chief Bill Westenberger. “It’s definitely the old-style way of cooking. She’s got jokes about how much butter she uses.”

That old-style way has seen her through decades of cooking for crowds, from her

restaurant days when she would cook as many as 50 strawberry pies in a single day to early years with the city when she cooked all three meals not only for inmates, but also for city police and the jail staff. When her daughter was killed years ago by an 18-year-old drunken driver and Ms. Ann took in two toddler grandchildren, the cooking was there. And when her second daughter died last year at 54 of a heart attack, the cooking was there then, too.

“Cooking’s all I’ve known, from when I began helping my mother in the kitchen as a young girl, I’ve always cooked,” she said, remembering those tough times. “It wasn’t easy, but I did it. I had to.” That resolve has carried over to Ms. Ann’s granddaughter Stephanie “Sissy” Valencia.

“Listening to the stories that she told me and teaching me the knowledge, (cooking) just came easy to me,” said Valencia, who remembers her grandmother juggling her work and grandchildren, all the while caring

for her husband, who uses a wheelchair.

Valencia began her professional cooking career at 15 and is still at it 18 years later. She manages an Arby’s in Cobb.

“They say I’ve got ketchup in my blood,” said Valencia, who was about 3 when she began cooking with her grandmother.

Ms. Ann’s jail schedule has been scaled back to part time, and she works only Saturdays and Sundays. Still, she begins those days before 4 a.m., and makes three meals and desserts for inmates before leaving about five hours later. She still lives by her cooking mantra: Always keep something going. And she still makes their favorites: homemade biscuits and cakes, Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and baked chicken. “Over the years, this place became a home away from home for me,” she said. “I’m staying here as long as they (city officials) want me and as long as God gives me strength.” —MCT

Ann Wylie, 80, makes mashed potatoes as she prepares dinner for the inmates in the kitchen of the Kennesaw City Jail. —MCT